Globo.com reported that Arboleda was approached by clubs in Série A, including Santos, but the conversations did not progress.

Ecuadorian centre-back Robert Arboleda has approved a potential transfer to Santos, but negotiations are not close to being finalized. A significant obstacle is a financial issue, as São Paulo expects an interested club to assume a debt owed to the defender's agent. Santos is also considering Arboleda's age of 34 and recent off-field incidents.