Wenger swoops for Samba teen Wellington

The Gunners have tracked the Fluminense teen sensation for more than a year and took him on trial in December 2008.

Wellington impressed in London, scoring four in a youth match against Norwich, and Arsenal subsequently tracked him at the Under 17 World Cup and Under 17 South American Championship.

The player’s agent, Rodrigo Pitta, said: ‘We completed the transaction last week, the player is already Arsenal’s and Fluminense have already received some money.’

Wellington cannot join up with Wenger’s side till his 18th birthday in January 2011, but Arsenal are believed to have paid 65 per cent of the fee up front, with the rest to follow when he arrives at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazil youth international celebrated the move by posing in an Arsenal shirt with his name above Robin van Persie’s No 11 shirt, posting the photograph on his web page.

He is considered one of the most promising players of his age group in the Brazil and has already secured endorsement deals.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Atletico and Real Madrid have all been linked with the player, but Arsenal’s long courtship appears to have paid off.

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Eldo71

Arsenal fan for 40 years. Schoolboys, North Bank, Clock End then East Upper. Then Emirates. AFC dream team: Wilson, Dixon, Sansom, Adams, Pates, Brady, Williams, Pires, Bergkamp, Henry, Wright. Subs: Seaman, Eldridge, Wilshere, RVP, Ball. Manager: Arsene Chapman.

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