After a plethora of loan spells around Europe, Wellington Silva finally received his work permit in April 2015 to enable him to play in England.
Arsenal signed the youngster at the age of 16 from Fluminense in 2009 with many clubs chasing the prodigy. However, he couldn’t officially sign for the Gunners until his 18th birthday and since hasn’t as much as kicked a ball in anger in the Arsenal first team. But his chance hasn’t been as close as it is now.
Neil Lennon and Bolton Wanderers took the opportunity to sign the 22 year old on a season-long loan in August as they look to add a bit more cut and thrust in the attacking third.
Wellington Silva was often questioned of his temperament during his teenage years and whether he was taking his career seriously enough. There were stories emerging that he would indulge in too many fatty foods. However in the forwards defence he was ripped from his homeland at 16 with dreams and aspirations of donning the Arsenal strip in the first team but has had to sit on his hands being patient since then. We must forgive him for getting a little restless.
Nonetheless, you can see his becoming increasingly mature on the field especially in his last loan spells at Real Murcia and Almeria. He is yet to make a telling impact in the goalscoring charts but he is now finding more consistency and playing more games, which is what Lennon will be hoping for.
Arsene Wenger had him with the team for pre-season this campaign and upon his departure to the Championship side said he may well surprise a few people;
“He’s absolutely stunning to watch and I believe Bolton will be surprised by his quality.”
There must be an element of truth in that statement as he has started in all four matches since signing and even won the penalty in his new sides 2-1 win over Wolves.
This season will be a decisive one for the Brazilian who will be eager to show Arsenal he has what it takes to make it in the top flight.
