On January 31, 2010, Wellington Silva, a 17-year-old Brazilian International winger from Brasileirão powerhouse Fluminense, signed for Arsenal for a fee believed to be in the region of £3.5 million.
The relatively unknown youngster was blessed with such incredible skill and pace that Arsene Wenger decided to bring the diminutive winger to the Emirates after he had featured in only two Brasilerão matches. At the time regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest stars, along with a boy from Santos by the name of Neymar, Wellington immediately had trouble getting a work permit upon his arrival in North London.
Over five years later, the former Flu winger is still yet to make his senior debut for the Gunners, but this could all change from next season, as the now 22-year-old looks to be finally granted eligibility. But how much do you know about the samba sensation, and, more importantly, how will he break into a team already full of established wing wizards such as Alexis Sanchez?
Wellington joined Fluminense’s youth ranks in 2004, and made his full debut for the club in January 2010. Such was his immense talent, he was called up to represent Brazil’s U17 squad in 2008 and 2009, despite being a year younger than his teammates. He soon signed for Arsenal, and played in a closed doors friendly against Dagenham and Redbridge. The young Brazilian was phenomenal, scoring two goals and setting up another before being withdrawn 20 minutes from time. The former Flu trickster would only make one more appearance in an Arsenal shirt, featuring for the reserves against Manchester United in August 2010. He played the full 90 minutes and toyed with opposition defenders for most of the match, eventually scoring a brilliant goal cutting in from the right-flank in the process.
Since then, his inability to obtain a work permit has led to him being loaned to Spain on five occasions, where he is currently plying his trade with La Liga side Almería. Before his 2014 summer loan move, the Brazilian had had stints with Levante, Alcoyano, Ponferradina and Real Murcia respectively since 2011. Last year also saw Wellington represent Brazil’s Under 21 squad, where he was part of the side who faced Australia’s Under 21’s in November.
The 22-year-old’s consecutive loan spells have certainly seem him develop as a player in Spain, however, he still remains raw, and his goalscoring stats do not make for compelling viewing. Although he is yet to register a goal for Almería after making 18 appearances in all competitions for the Andalusians, it looks as though he will certainly become part of Arsenal’s squad for next season.
The Fluminense youth product recently compared himself to both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez, stating in an interview that “they have similar characteristics to mine”. Most comfortable on the right-flank, the Brazilian’s blistering pace, fantastic agility and mesmerising dribbling skills immediately draw comparisons to Arsenal’s talismanic No. 17. He can also play as a supporting striker, and possesses a powerful right-foot shot.
Frequently dubbed the ‘New Neymar’ by the media, the 22-year-old faces a serious challenge to cement his place in Arsene Wenger’s squad. If he is able to compete with the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Serge Gnabry and the returning Joel Campbell, there is no doubt that he will able to fulfil his vast potential under the tutelage of Wenger. His loan spells have not been the most fruitful, but he has also the makings of a future fan favourite if his future lies with the Gunners. We have had to wait over five years, but come August we might finally get to see why Arsenal bought the talented Brazilian in the first place.
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Insightful writing on Wellington, had no idea who he was. Being a Chelsea fan its good to know what rivals have got on their ranks.