Arsenal Transfer News: Wellington Silva Talks Begin, Morgan Schneiderlin Rumours

Wellington Silva has revealed his agent is in talks with Arsenal over a contract renewal, despite failing to make an appearance for the Gunners since his move from Fluminense in 2011.

After years of trying, Wellington was recently granted a work permit, per Jamie Sanderson of Metro. He has spent the last four seasons on loan in Spain and currently represents relegation-threatened Almeria in La Liga.

However, he hopes to receive an opportunity with Arsene Wenger's side soon, reported by Marca (h/t Jamie Kemp of Inside Spanish Football):

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My representative spoke with me recently because we’re talking about a renewal, given that I only have a year left at Arsenal. I want to be there for pre-season and I’m delighted to hear the news that I’ll be returning.

Since I joined Arsenal, I’ve always dreamed of playing for them. I’m hoping I do well in pre-season so that I can stay there. But I’m still with Almeria for the moment and my thoughts have to be here. We need to achieve our goal of avoiding relegation.

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At 22 years old, Wellington needs to make a quick impression at the Emirates Stadium if his future is to remain there. He can play on the wing or behind the striker but faces a difficult task of dislodging Arsenal's current crop.

Wenger is unlikely to favour Wellington overs players such as Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Deeper into the squad, Joel Campbell, Serge Gnabry and Chuba Akpom await.

The French boss will look to improve his squad depth during the summer, so could call Wellington in for a bit-part role. It only takes a memorable performance in the Capital One Cup or run of form in the reserves to secure recognition, but the player undoubtedly faces an uphill task to make a lasting impression.

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Former Gunners star Ray Parlour believes the manager's priorities should remain with strengthening his midfield. He touts Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin—a player who was linked to Arsenal in the summer—as Wenger's best option, reported by Ben Jefferson of the Express:

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Arsenal need to get Morgan Schneiderlin if he’s available in the summer. He would be perfect. He’s a little bit like Gilberto Silva when he was at Arsenal. He can sit back into the back four and, when it’s wide, he can be another centre half. That’s so good if you can do that. He’s so comfortable on the ball and someone like him would be a great addition.

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B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently discussed whether or not Arsenal should consider selling Jack Wilshere to fit a new midfielder in:

Wenger needs to keep improving his squad if Arsenal are to return to their former glories. The side can still capture second place in the Premier League and retain the FA Cup trophy with a string of positive results, two achievements which would help the club overcome Tuesday's Champions League elimination.

Schneiderlin remains an obvious choice to up the side's combative presence, an attribute Wenger's men continue to work hard on this campaign.