Two more signings for Arsenal…and Arteta could be on the way

Arsenal have been busy bees on transfer deadline day, with the signatures of two defenders confirmed and a deal for Mikel Arteta in the pipeline.

Brazilian defender Andre Santos has completed a move from Turkish side Fenerbahce for a fee of around £6million. He is likely to head straight into the first team side at left back, considering that Kieran Gibbs is currently sidelined through injury.

The 28-year old has played 22 times for Brazil and will wear the number 11 shirt for the Gunners.

Commenting on his arrival, Arsenal manager said: “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.”

Santos added: "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."

Santos will soon be joined by German giant Per Mertesacker, who will complete a move from Werder Bremen “subject to the completion of formal registration processes”.

The 26-year old central defender has played 75 times for 'Ze Germans' and has played in two world cups. He is also the subject of one of the most flamboyant personal websites we have ever seen.

While Wenger will hope that the arrival of both Santos and Mertesacker will solve the Gunners’ defensive woes, he is also hoping to find at least one replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri before the end of the transfer window later tonight.

A move for Everton creative midfielder Mikel Arteta is thought to be at an advanced stage, although Arsenal will have to improve substantially on the £4 million bid they reportedly lodged for the Spaniard.

The Gunners are set to return with a bid in the region of £10 million, which should be enough to persuade David Moyes to part with one of his most prized assets.

Should the Gunners secure Arteta’s signature, it will be their fourth signing since their humiliation at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday, following the arrivals of South Korea striker Chu Young Park, Santos and Mertesacker.