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Wellington Silva handed work permit for Arsenal move, unsure of future

Wellington Silva has told AS.com that he now has the relevant paperwork to play for Arsenal next season, although admits that he is unsure if he will start the 2015-16 campaign with the Premier League side.

Silva, 21, signed for the Gunners in 2010 but has not played in a competitive game for Arsene Wenger's side due to work permit issues.

The Brazilian forward has now secured a Spanish passport which will allow him to play for Arsenal next season, though Silva -- currently on loan at Spanish club Almeria -- is uncertain of where his future lies.

In quotes picked up by Sky Sports, Silva told AS on receiving the necessary paperwork: "It is very important for me. I could go back to Arsenal next season if Wenger wants me to.

"But I am not going to worry about my future and my only desire right now is to help Almeria preserve their La Liga status. At this moment, I am focused on the present."

Silva joined the Gunners from Fluminese and the Premier League club applied for a work permit to fast-track his progress, though the FA's rejection meant the player was loaned out to Levante in January 2011.

Since then the 21-year-old has spent time on loan at Alcoyano, Ponferradina, Murcia -- where he scored twice in 34 appearances last season -- and Almeria, while also representing the Brazil under-17 side 11 times.