Arsenal have announced the completion of a reported £6 million deal to bring Brazilian left-back to the Emirates from Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
The 28 year-old has signed a long-term year deal for the Gunners and will rival Kieran Gibbs for the role on the left of the Arsene Wenger’s back four; Gibbs is currently crocked – a familiar situation and one which has no doubt driven the Arsenal boss into the transfer market having seen both Gael Clichy and Armand Traore leave the club.
The Statisitics
Santos arrives at the Emirates having made 52 appearances over two seasons for the Turks, notching an impressive 10 goals on the way. He arrived at Fenerbache in 2009, plucked from Corinthians where he made 59 appearances, finding the net on 9 occasions.
Those statistics provide a good insight into a player who possesses a superb left-foot which can often provide a potent attacking weapon. His swashbuckling style is Inevitably compared Roberto Carlos; Santos ironically replaced the Brazilian legend when he arrived at Fenerbache. Like Carlos, Arsenal’s new signing can be devastating going forward but has been accused of losing concentration at the back and his general defensive play has been called into question. So much so, Dunga omitted Santos from his 2010 World Cup squad, preferring Michel Bastos and the Tottenham flop that was Gilberto.
The Prospects
Santos has strong attacking potential which, if he settles in quickly, should see him usurp Kieran Gibbs for the left-back role. Wenger will be looking to use Santos’ strong running down the left to partner with Gervinho, perhaps relying on two holding midfielders and Thomas Vermalen’s awareness to help cover any gaps and defensive lapses. The Fantasy potential is there then, if Wenger looks set to favour Santos over the fragile Gibbs but we’ve seen many times before that Brazilian signings can be hit and miss in the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger said upon completion of the deal:
“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.”
