Arsenal Transfer News: Andre Santos Returning to the Emirates Due to High Cost

Andre Santos is heading back to Arsenal, at least for now.

Santos was loaned to Brazilian club Gremio during January's transfer window but will return to the Emirates this summer due to his high price tag, according to Darren Witcoop of the Mirror.

Director Marcos Chitolina said Santos, whose contract expires in July, is too expensive for the club to consider renewing his loan deal, according to talkSPORT. Chitolina said the club picked up Santos solely to help for a Copa Libertadores run.

Gremio was disappointingly shown the door at the round of 16 of the Libertadores and the club couldn’t justify his heavy price tag moving forward.

The Brazilian native will not likely receive a warm welcome back to the Emirates. One response on Twitter questioned the Gunners’ fortunes after the news broke:

While with Arsenal, the 30-year-old left-back made only 13 league starts despite being picked up by Arsene Wenger for £6.2 million from Fenerbahce in August 2011.

Santos’ early exit from the Emirates was met with much rejoice by Gunners fans and pundits after he struggled early on during Arsenal’s 2013 campaign.

The writing was on the wall for the Brazilian native long before his February departure. His continual struggles on the pitch were amplified after he approached former Gunners striker Robin van Persie for a shirt swap during halftime of a November 2012 match.

Eventually, Santos knew he would be back. However, he probably didn’t realize it would be this soon.  And he probably doesn’t know how long it will last.

Santos proved to never be comfortable as a left-back, but he didn’t do much to help the situation.

It would be highly surprising if Wenger decides to bring him back, especially considering his willingness to spend money this summer to strengthen his club, according to Fox Sports.

Arsenal made strides in the closing months and should look forward by finding better talent to use their funds on instead of bringing back someone who struggled with the club; someone they sent packing just a couple of months ago.

Due to his struggles, falling out with fans and management and his expiring contract it is unlikely that Santos will ever grace the pitch again for the Gunners.