Arsenal: Wellington Silva finally cleared to play for the Gunners after receiving Spanish passport

Wellington Silva can finally make his Arsenal debut, four years after joining the club after he was granted a Spanish passport.

The Brazilian U21 international signed for the Gunners in 2011 from Fluminense, but was unable to play for the north London club due to the absence of a work permit.

But all that changed on 14 April when the forward was granted a Spanish passport. He can now return to Arsenal in the summer and provide Arsene Wenger with an added offensive option.

Silva confirmed late last year that all the papers needed for his passport were submitted and revealed that he is keen to fulfil his dream of playing for the Gunners.

"The process to the get the passport is already under way. The pre-season in England starts in July and I'll have a passport by then," Silva said.

"I hope to have the opportunity to achieve my dream of playing for Arsenal. The team is strong and I hope to fit in well," the Brazilian added.

The young striker has finally got his Spanish passport, which allows him to play for any club in the European Union. The player tweeted his delight at receiving the passport and joked that all good things take time to arrive.

"The good thing is slow in coming, but arrives with the greatest satisfaction in the world. Spanish nationality!!" Wellington said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old forward, who can play either as a winger or as a number 10, is currently on loan at La Liga side Almeria and will finish the season there before joining his teammates in north London for pre-season ahead of the next campaign.

He was signed by Arsenal from the Brazilian club for a reported fee of around £3.5m after he impressed coaches in a trial game by scoring four goals.