Gremio cannot afford permanent deal for Andre Santos

Brazilian club Gremio have confirmed that Brazilian defender Andre Santos will return to Arsenal when his contract expires in July.

The left-back fell out of favour at the Emirates this season after some dreadful displays in the first half of the season. His loan club have confirmed that he will be returning to London once his contract expires in his homeland.

"“We signed Andre Santos for Copa Libertadores and his contract expires in July,It would be too expensive for Gremio to renew his contract; he is a very expensive player.We thank him for everything he has done, but we will keep Alex Telles and Fabio Aurelio.” Gremio’s director of football on Andre Santos’ future. Quotes: Sky Sports"

There is no doubt that Arsenal would have been hoping Santos would leave on a permanent deal this summer. With Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal fighting for a first-team place, there appears to be no room for Andre Santos at Arsenal now.

The Gunners will be hoping that somebody signs him on a permanent deal this summer if possible, so that he is off their wage bill. It is pretty clear that his wages are the issue in this case, so that could prove a stumbling block for any teams that want him in the summer too.

Andre Santos will return from Brazil in July.