Arsenal confirm signing of left back Santos

After strong signs of the deal showed up last night, Arsenal have now confirmed the completion of the signing of 28-year-old defender Andre Santos from Fenerbahce SK. The left back will be given the number 11 shirt that had, to this point, belonged to Carlos Vela.

Sky is reporting that the fee is around ₤6 million, which to me is a pretty good deal for a player with a lot of experience. As Ted reported last night, he's had 22 caps for the Brazilian national team, and he has Champions League experience as well with Fenerbahce. With Armand Traore out to QPR and Kieran Gibbs lost in the Springfield Mystery Spot, quality cover at the left back position is crucial - I don't think many of us want to see too much more of Bacary Sagna on the left, if it's avoidable. All in all, this is a pretty cheap deal for an experienced player at a position where help was desperately needed, and a deal I'm glad to see done.

A quote from Arsene Wenger, via the dot-com:

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.

And finally, from the player himself:

I am delighted to have signed for Arsenal. It was one of my dreams to play for a major European football club and I have accomplished this. I am very happy to be part of this team. All the Brazilians who came to this club spoke wonders about it and I am delighted to be part of the Arsenal family.

Here is the main page's write-up of the move, and also their coverage of all the transfer window shenanigans.