Santos to join Gremio on loan

Santos to join Gremio on loan

Published Feb. 11, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

Gremio have confirmed Arsenal defender Andre Santos will officially complete his loan move to the Brazilian club today.

There was much speculation the full-back was returning to South America after he was photographed arriving in Brazil yesterday.

And Gremio have announced the 29-year-old will be unveiled as their latest recruit today at 2pm local time following a medical beforehand.

"I came to be a champion with the club," Santos told Gremio's official website.

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Arsenal signed Santos from Fenerbahce for £6.8million in August 2011.

However, the Brazil international has fallen down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium behind England left-back Kieran Gibbs and, following the deadline day arrival of Spaniard Nacho Monreal, is now surplus to requirements.

A picture of Santos arriving in his homeland, where he last played for Corinthians in 2008/2009, greeted by cheering fans was posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski put a post on his official Twitter account which read: "@Andre-santos27 We will miss you man, I wish u all the very best #Gunner God bless you".

Santos made 26 appearances for Arsenal, scoring four goals.

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