Santos appears on brink of move (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Santos appears on brink of move

1:53pm Sunday 10th February 2013 in National Sport News © Press Association 2013

Andre Santos' move from Arsenal to Gremio gathered pace on Sunday as the defender was photographed arriving in Brazil ahead of a proposed move back to South America.

Santos, 29, was signed 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.

While there has not yet been any official comment from Arsenal, 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.

It remains to be confirmed whether the transfer will be permanent or a loan deal.