The Brazilian fullback was apprehended by officers for driving his car erratically, reportedly at speeds of 130 miles per hour on the M25 motorway and for failing to stop.

The alleged incident took place last Friday, the day before Arsenal began their English Premier League campaign at home to Sunderland, a match in which Santos was named on the bench.

Police confirmed the 29-year-old was picked up just a couple of miles away from Arsenal's training base near Colney in Hertfordshire, and also revealed he was not breathalysed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Shortly after 9.30am on Friday August 17, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police on the A1, near to Junction 22 of the M25.

"Officers' attention was drawn to the vehicle due to the manner of its driving.

"The man has been bailed to return at a date in mid-September to a North London police station."