Arsenal defender Santos 'excited' by Gremio loan move

Posted Monday, February 11, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Arsenal left back Andre Santos says he is relishing the prospect of joining Gremio on loan.

The Brazilian outfit's executive director Rui Costa revealed on Saturday that the 29-year-old was traveling to Porto Alegre to finalize the terms on the year-long move back to his homeland.

Arsenal has yet to comment on the move but the full back himself indicated a switch was close, with the Premier League outfit able to cut the deal short after six months if it wishesx.

"I have the best expectations," Santos told Lancenet. "[Gremio] are one of the biggest clubs in the country.

"I've come to Gremio to be a champion. I am very excited about this project. I have dreamed of working with Vanderlei Luxemburgo. He is a top manager in our football."
Santos admitted, though, that he would need time before reaching match fitness after a stop-start season at Arsenal.

"If there was a game today, I would like to play," he added.

"But I need to be match fit as I played a game one day, then not the next one. I'll need five or six games to be fitter. I'm anxious to know the squad."