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Wellington Silva work permit: Youngster dubbed 'new Neymar' wants to become 'icon' at Arsenal

The winger agreed to join the club in 2009 but has been unable to play a competitive game under Arsene Wenger

Simon Rice
Thursday 30 October 2014 17:08 GMT
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Wellington Silva
Wellington Silva (GETTY IMAGES)

Wellington Silva is understood to have met the requirements needed to play for Arsenal from next season.

The youngster agreed a £3.5m switch from Fluminense to the Gunners back in 2009 after a successful trial, however the deal could not be signed until 2011 due to his age.

Over the past four seasons, the Brazilian has been sent out on various loans tp Spanish clubs, including Alcoyano, Ponferradina, Murcia and currently Almeria.

Silva will complete the season at Almeria but the 21-year-old has been quoted as saying he has secured Spanish citizenship, which will entitle him to a work permit in the UK.

"It's true," he told reporters when asked about his Spanish citizenship.

"I can now go back to Arsenal from next season. I would be very happy if I could become an idol at a club like Arsenal."

"I will give my best to become a great player."

Dubbed the 'new Neymar', Silva has played in six matches for La Liga side Almeria this term, although is yet to score.

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