Brazilians can’t afford to play for keeps.
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Arsenal flop Andre Santos is set for a return to the club after Brazilian side Gremio admitted that they can’t afford to keep him permanently, according to talkSPORT.
The 30-year-old angered Gunners fans in November when he appeared to swap shirts with Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie at halftime during the game at Old Trafford. He was quickly sent out on loan back to his homeland to compete in the Copa Libertadores for Gremio.
However, despite making eight appearances for the side from Santa Fe they have now admitted that they won’t be able to keep him as they don’t have the funds to sign him for any longer.
Club director Marcos Chitolina said: “We signed Andre Santos for Copa Libertadores and his contract expires in July.
“It would be too expensive for Grêmio to renew his contract, he is a very expensive player.”
The Brazilian international is now expected to be one of a number of players heading for the exit at the Emirates this season as Arsene Wenger looks set to carry out an extensive rebuilding process this summer.
Santos joined Arsenal from Fenerbahce in 2011 and has gone on to make just 33 appearances in north London, scoring three goals.