Arsenal Transfer News: Per Mertesacker & Andre Santos Sign, Renato Augusto Soon

In news that will undoubtedly please Arsenal fans, the club have announced the double signing of defensive duo Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker.  

Additionally, there are strong rumors that Arsenal are in negotiations with German club Bayer Leverkusen to sign Brazilian attacking midfielder Renato Augusto.

Left-back Santos, 28, has joined the club from Turkish champions Fenerbahce for a fee reported to be in the region of £6.2 million.  The player has been given the No. 11 shirt, previously worn by Carlos Vela, now on loan with Real Sociedad in Spain.  

His credentials of playing Champions League football, in addition to 22 caps for Brazil, will add some much-needed experience to the Arsenal rearguard, who have leaked 10 goals in three league games this season.

German international Mertesacker, 26, has signed from Werder Bremen for a fee reported to be in the £8-10 million range.  The giant 6'6" defender has a wealth of experience at the highest level, having played in the Champions League for Werder in addition to 75 caps for the German national team.  Bring on the long throws, Rory Delap!

Renato Augusto reportedly flew into Heathrow Airport a short while ago. According to sources, he is presently undergoing a medical at Arsenal.  

He is a product of Flamengo's youth academy and has spent the past three seasons in Germany.  He also has three caps for Brazil.  Augusto is normally a right-sided midfielder, but he's also played with success in the "hole," just behind the main striker. 

This versatility undoubtedly has attracted Arsene Wenger.  The transfer fee being talked about is in the range of £18 million.

Rumors about Gary Cahill, Scott Dann, Christopher Samba, Keisuke Honda and Florent Malouda refuse to go away, and I believe that if Arsenal can sign even one of these players, it would be a remarkable achievement.

Not long to go now...