I don’t know how many of us still remember an 18-year old Brazilian winger who joined us from Brazilian club Fluminese in January 2011. Not many I assume but that young winger is 22 now and still hasn’t made his official Arsenal debut with his contract with the club running till June next year.
His name is Wellington Silva and he had spent the last four and a half seasons in Spain playing for five different clubs in two different divisions due to some work permit issues. As he is not a European player he had problems in making his Gunners debut because the rules followed by the England FA are different from those followed by other European countries. But in April 2015 he got a Spanish passport due to the time he had spent in Spain and now can play for the Spain national team as well apart from Brazil if selected. Hence finally his work permit issues have been resolved and he can make his Arsenal debut in peace.
Wellington has enjoyed spells at Levante, Alcoyano, Ponferradina, Murica and Almeria since joining the north Londoners but it now appears that he may finally be given his chance in English football. The 22-year-old featured in the club’s first training session of the preseason. He was pictured joking with fellow Gunners Hector Bellerin and Gabriel Paulista. Wellington is highly regarded for his pace, dribbling ability and strength on the ball. He is a winger who should be well suited for the Premier League. Now, after impressing in his most recent spell at La Liga club Almeria, he would be raring to have a go in the Premier League.
Wellington Silva has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 122 appearances during his spells in Spain. During his stint with La Liga side Almeria last season he enjoyed a fruitful campaign. Even though he failed to register a single goal, he was still a creative influence in the team, as he went on to make 24 key passes and seven assists – fourth best from any other Almeria player. Wellington Silva recently said that he is happy that he can finally play for Arsenal after a four-year wait. The former Brazil U-17 International also believes that he can quickly adapt to the Premier League and put in good performances for Arsenal.
Primarily a right winger Wellington can also play as a left winger. Hence he can be used as a multi-utility player by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. However with wingers Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain above him in the pecking order, Wellington will get only limited chances in the coming season. But he could come handy in our cup games with a long season looming ahead of us. Wellington will also be keen to make his national team debut soon. Having dual citizenship now he will have to impress either Brazil or Spain officials to make his dream come true. Hence he needs to put up good performances at Arsenal immediately to put himself in contention for national team selection.
Recent reports had suggested that Wellington is in talks with the Gunners over a new contract, as the forward has just one year remaining on his current contract. Wenger is keen to tie the skilful winger down to a new long-term deal as he is said to be a huge admirer of him. Hence this exciting young winger would be a player to watch out for in the coming season. Lets hope that he does well at Arsenal and goes on to become a great player.
