Make yourself comfortable.
This summer, London’s Arsenal have already signed Marquinhos from San Paolo, reached agreement in principle with Manchester City on Gabriel Jesus’ transfer, and the Gunners are eyeing Richarlison (Everton) and Rafinha (Leeds). It’s funny that Jesus will be the third Gabi from Brazil in Arteta’s squad, for which defender Gabriel Magalhaes and winger Gabriel Martinelli already play. It’s time to make the ranking of Brazilians who have ever worn an Arsenal shirt, because there are already a dozen.
No evaluation. Wellington Silva (2011-2016) and Pedro Botelho (2007-2012)
Defender Botelho and striker Wellington arrived at Arsenal young and promising, but never made it to first-team games, although each was tied to a five-year contract with the Gunners. In both cases there were problems with work permits in England and the talent of these guys was overrated. After a series of leases, Wellington and Botelho were returned to Brazil, where they did not reach great heights.
1 of 10. Juan (2001-2003)
Another youngster with great potential who did not justify the hopes pinned on him and, after all, Arsene Wenger had been expecting to become a left-back from Juan for years. Unfortunately, Juan’s career at Arsenal was limited to one game – against Gillingham in the FA Cup. The Brazilian also scored an assist on Ray Parlor, but that didn’t help him gain a foothold in the squad.
2 out of 10. Andre Santos (2011-2013)
Even the late Arsene Wenger did not give up the idea of fixing the left flank of the defense with a fast Brazilian. In 2011, the mistakes of Botelho and Juan were forgotten and Andre Santos arrived as an experienced player: Fenerbahce was paid 7 million euros for the 28-year-old defender. In two seasons, Santos have amassed 33 games and a lively start with a couple of goals Premier League and the Champions League was quickly replaced by total procrastination. Andre also angered fans when he swapped shirts with Robin van Persie, who had recently left Arsenal for Manchester United.
3 out of 10. Willian (2020-2021)
Arsenal signed Willian as a free agent after leaving Chelsea. In the summer of 2020 it seemed like a good idea, but the winger, who received a lucrative contract, quickly disappointed Arsenal fans. A year later, the contract was terminated and it is worth noting that Willian behaved like a gentleman, refusing to ask for 20 million euros, which he could have received by drinking water on the bench. He gets a bonus point for it.
4 out of 10. Gabriel Paulista (2015-2017)
Another defender, called to solve long-standing problems at the center of the defense. In January 2015, Arsenal paid Villarreal £ 11m for Paulista. Arsene Wenger gave Gabriel enough of a chance, but the Brazilian did not become a reliable command link. He has taken several cups during his performances in England, but he did not take part directly in the title games.
5 out of 10. Julio Baptista (2006-2007)
Baptista ended up at Arsenal as part of a deal with Real Madrid, the main party of which was Antonio Reyes, who moved in the opposite direction. Julio spent a year on loan at Arsenal and left a mixed impression. He was remembered for playing poker against Liverpool in a cup game, but only scored three goals in one season. Premier League.
5 out of 10. David Luiz (2019-2021)
Another Brazilian who was exhausted for Chelsea and even paid £ 8m for a curly haired defender. David Luiz at Arsenal looked like a downcast driver: at times he remembered his class, but more often he was wrong and damaged the team. He took part in 73 games, scored 4 goals and received 3 direct red cards. A typical chaos champion in an eternally unstable defense, but he helped the Gunners win the FA Cup and Super Cup, which brings David closer to the side of good.
6 out of 10. Denilson (2006-2011)
When Denilson arrived at Arsenal from Sao Paulo, Arsène Wenger described the midfielder as a cross between Tomáš Rosický and Gilberto Silva. Indeed, a skilled footballer, but too prone to injuries. He has collected a hundred and a half games for Arsenal for five seasons, but has not reached the level of Rosicky and Silva.
7 of 10. Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli (current players)
It is still too early to draw any final conclusions about current players, as their score can go up or down over time. To date them to justify sometimes they even exceed expectations. Due to their age, they can even become club legends. Why not?
8 out of 10. Silvinho (1999-2001)
Silvinho made history as the first Brazilian to sign for Arsenal, where he arrived from Corinthians on a free transfer. Silvinho replaced club legend Nigel Winterburn as left-back, played 80 games in two seasons and even made it into the second Team of the Year PFA. He could have done more for Arsenal, but in 2001 the Brazilian was traded to Celta to make way for Ashley Cole. In 2006, Cole left Arsenal for Chelsea and Silvinho won the Champions League with Barcelona.
8 out of 10. Edu (2002-2005)
He could have been at Arsenal a year earlier, but the transfer was delayed due to passport issues. Edu has won two Premier League titles, including being part of an unbeaten team in 2003/04, and three FA Cups and two Super Cups. He didn’t always go to the iron base, but he brought many benefits to the club. And he continues to lead already in the role of technical director, he took up this post in 2019.
10 out of 10. Gilberto Silva (2002-2008)
Undoubtedly the Brazilian number one of Arsenal. Joining the Gunners soon after winning the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he quickly became a key figure in the middle line. Gilberto had a perfect 2003/04 season in tandem with Patrick Vieira he won five trophies with Arsenal and took part in 244 games.
