Arsenal complete first defensive signing
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Andre Santos on a long-term contract.
The 28-year-old international joins the Gunners from Turkish giants Fenerbache, who he joined in 2009. Santos impressed in his first season with the Super Lig champions and even kept Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos as the team’s first-choice left-back. He went on to make 52 league appearances, scoring 10 times for the club.
Santos has also been with Brazil giants Corinthians and a three-year spell with Figueirense, in which he spent loan spells at Flamengo and Atletic Miniero.
The Sao Paulo born defender received his first senior cap for Brazil in the 2009 Confederations Cup, helping them to victory in the tournament, he has gone on to represent his country on 22 occasions.
Arsène Wenger said: “Santos is a quality player, with the ability to both defend well and get forward and help with attacks. He has experience in the Champions League and for Brazil and has proven he can deliver at the highest level. We welcome Santos to the Club and look forward to him having a big impact for us.”
Upon completing his move, Santos said: “I am delighted to have signed for Arsenal. It was one of my dreams to play for a major European football club and I have accomplished this. I am very happy to be part of this team. All the Brazilians who came to this club spoke wonders about it and I am delighted to be part of the Arsenal family.”
