Silva plays down Arsenal transfer talk

Botafogo have been quick to deny that they are lining up a deal for Arsenal full-back Andre Santos this summer, reports Sky Sports.

The Brazilian club have been heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old, but according to the club's vice-president Andre Silva a transfer is not in the offing.

"Andre [Santos] is our friend but he is not coming to Botafogo at this time," he told Lance.

Santos only arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer in a £6million deal from Fenerbahce, but having failed to make much of an impression in Arsene Wenger's side, his Gunners career could be short lived.

The South American's agent Carlos Leite would not rule out the possibility of another move for his client, but did confirm that reports linking Santos with a return to his native Brazil are wide of the mark.

"There is zero chance Andre [Santos] could join Botafogo now," he said.

Competition for places in the Arsenal side is as fierce as ever, with Kieran Gibbs currently first choice left-back, meaning Santos has largely been restricted to substitute appearances in the latter part of the season.