Wellington Silva close to gaining passport

Wellington Silva has revealed that he is close to gaining a European passport, which would allow him to compete for a place in the Arsenal squad next season.

The Gunners signed the Brazilian in January 2010 but have been unable to use him in the first team as he was denied a visa by FIFA.

"The process to the get the passport is already under way," Silva told Lancenet. "The Spanish law says that to request the documents you have to have been here two years. In January 2014, it will be three years so I think they will be ready.

"The pre-season in England starts in July and I'll have a passport by then."

Silva has spent time on loan at Levante, Alcoyano, Ponferradina and Murcia.