Every Brazilian to play for Arsenal – ranked

There have been plenty of Brazilians who have strutted their stuff for Arsenal over the years, but where do they rank?

Something that has been extremely noticeable this offseason for Arsenal is the nationality of the players the club is going for. Mikel Arteta and Edu are going for a more South American flavour this time around.

With the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel in the squad already, Arsenal are intent on adding more Brazilians to their ranks. Raphinha from Leeds, Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, and Richarlison have been rumoured to be wanted at the Emirates.

Armed with incredible flair and skills that most can only dream of, the South American contingent of players take our breath away with what they are able to do on the pitch.

Every Brazilian player to play for Arsenal – ranked

That got us thinking; there have been a fair share of Brazilians to ply their trade in north London, so why not rank them?

15. Wellington Silva

Another one who underwhelmed as he did not play a single game for the Gunners after his move in 2009 at just 16-years-old as his chance to play was delayed until 2011 due to work permit issues.

Once dubbed the “new Neymar,” his Arsenal career never got going as he was sent out on loan in four consecutive seasons before signing with Fluminense in 2016. Another case of a player promising so much but failing to deliver.

14. Pedro Botelho

Signed by the Gunners in 2007 but was immediately loaned out due to work permit issues. Would then spend the next several seasons being loaned out to various sides as he never made an appearance for Arsenal, despite being on their books for five years. Truly one to forget.

13. Willian

Perhaps one of the worst Brazilians to set foot in the Emirates. Signed from Chelsea on a Bosman, Willian was brought to the club by Mikel Arteta to lift the club back to the Champions League.

His experience within the Premier League, coupled with his talent, was thought to be a superb piece of business by the club. It wasn’t. Willian produced poor performance after poor performance, much to the anger and frustration of the Emirates faithful.

https://twitter.com/goal/status/1472969196061569025?s=20&t=swZq5mjzfeRvqZIWYqU3cg

He now plays for Corinthians after what can only be described as an awful situation all-round.

12. Andre Santos

Like Willian, the less said about Andre Santos in an Arsenal shirt, the better. Signed from Fenerbahçe in 2011, no player caused more outrage than the left-back during what was a rather confused period for the club.

The attacking side of his game was serviceable, but when he left a lot to be desired in the defensive phase.

Often caught out of position or giving away a needless free-kick, Santos could be played through at will sometimes. He did score a neat goal way to Chelsea as Arsenal won 5-3 thanks to a Robin van Persie hat-trick, but that is about it for Santos. Not a good stint in north London.

Continued on next slide…