Brazilian Santos sent on loan to Gremio by Gunners.
Out of favour Arsenal left-back Andre Santos has been sent on loan to Brazilian side Gremio until the end of the season.
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Recent signing Nacho Monreal has pushed the Brazilian further down the pecking order at The Emirates Stadium and Arsene Wenger has sanctioned the move.
Santos has made just 13 League starts for The Gunners since moving from Turkish side Fenerbache in a £6.2m move on deadline day in August 2011 and has never won the fans over during his stay at the club.
His decision to ask Robin Van Persie for his shirt at half-time during Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford will rank as arguably his most memorable contribution during his time in London.
His departure does leave Arsenal light of options at left-back for their upcoming Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. Recent signing Monreal is cup-tied having appeared for Malaga in the group stages and Kieron Gibbs limped out of the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
However, Santos was still seen as surplus to requirements and Arsenal may have to face runners-up of last season’s Champions League without a recognised left-back.
Skipper Thomas Vermaelen has played there before and seems the most likely to deputise although doubts remain over his fitness having missed this weekend’s victory at Sunderland with an ankle injury.
Other options include Ignasi Miquel moving over to the left-back or midfielder Francis Coquelin filling in.
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