Wellington Silva will join Almeria this season, his fifth loan spell away from Arsenal…
Arsenal starlet Wellington Silva has completed a season-long loan move to La Liga minnows Almeria – a deal that has been confirmed by the Gunners official website.
The 21-year-old Brazilian joined Arsenal from Fluminense in 2010, but has yet to play in a first-team game due to work permit issues.
Silva has however featured in a reserves match against Manchester United, where he played the whole 90 minutes and scored, while he also took part in a closed-doors friendly against Dagenham and Redbridge, scoring two goals and setting up a third.
In December 2010 it was announced that the FA had backtracked on its initial decision to award Wellington his “Special Talent Visa”, and it was soon revealed on Arsenal’s official website that the club planned to send him out on loan due to the fact he couldn’t get a work permit.
Wellington spent last term on loan in Spain’s Segunda Division with Real Murcia, helping them to the play-offs in his 38 league appearances. He has also had spells with Levante, Alcoyano and SD Ponferradina, scoring nine goals in the process.
Almeria narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga last season, finishing in 17th place. One of their stand-out players during that campaign was Liverpool loanee Suso, and the Gunners will be hoping the club can have a similar effect on one of their young players.