Whats happened to Wellington Silva?
Who remembers the name Wellington Silva? Not many I suppose, as the young Brazilian has gone completely off the trail at Arsenal ever since signing for the Gunners.
After many years of struggling to secure a work permit to play in England, despite originally believing Silva would be deemed a ‘Special Talent’, the winger finally managed to make the move to Arsenal’s training ground and play in England from the start of the 2015-16 season. This was a whole 5 years after originally signing for the Gunners back in 2010. Sadly for Silva his level of talent and future prospects seemed to fall dramatically in this time and it seems he is not rated anywhere near to getting into Arsenal’s first team at the moment.
During his time waiting for a permit, Silva endured loans in Spain with a number of lower league sides, largely failing to impress. In 2015, with his work permit secured, Silva signed for Bolton on loan from the Gunners and it was hoped he’d have such an impact that he would be drafted up for Arsenal first team duties. This was not the case however, and although big things were expected from him at Bolton, he largely failed to impress in a spell which he found himself as a substitute more often than not.
It therefore remains to be seen what role Wellington Silva plays at Arsenal, especially for next season. Although Arsenal don’t currently have too many decent wingers, Silva himself doesn’t seem anywhere near first team quality and at 23 years old, 24 in January, his time really is running out with the Gunners. In my opinion he seems to be one of those players that unfortunately falls into limbo at Arsenal, going out on endless loan spells, before finally running down their contracts and being released. It’s a disappointing thought for Silva but unfortunately it doesn’t look likely to work out, despite the amount of time and money invested into the former Brazilian wonderkid.
Next season we may see the likes of Toral, Akpom and Hayden play more of a role in the first team, but I certainly cannot see Wellington Silva receiving the same opportunities under Arsene Wenger.
By AH