Teen star Wellington Silva prepares for life at Arsenal

Brazilian wonderkid Wellington Silva has returned home after a month familiarising himself with Arsenal, but the 17-year-old striker will soon be a permanent fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has cosseted the talented teenager for the best part of the year and Wellington will join the club in January on a £3.5m move from Fluminense. Some of that sum was paid to the Brazilian club earlier in the year and the rest will be handed over in the New Year, a month after Wellington turns 18.

And according to the Daily Mirror the youngster is champing at the bit to become a full-time pro with Arsenal, telling the paper: "The experience in London was perfect. I can now dream of playing in the Premier League and I don't think it will be hard for me to adapt."

Wellington – who first caught the Arsenal boss's eye during last year's Under 17 World Cup – was effusive in his praise of his future manager during his work experience stint at the Emirates. "Mr Wenger has spoken with me and has helped me with my work and training," enthused Wellington, "and I am really looking forward to this challenge. It's a great opportunity for me in my career."

And are the Gunners still hot on the heels of Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel? As The First Post reported during the summer the Dutch international was cock-a-hoop to hear that Wenger had taken a fancy to him, telling reporters: "Of course it's nice to read that Arsenal are interested. [Arsenal striker Robin] Van Persie has told me many stories about the Premier League, Arsenal and Mr Wenger. Maybe he can put in a good word for me."

But van der Wiel's compatriot seemingly forgot (or perhaps Wenger mislaid his wallet) and the deal never went through. All might not be lost, however, for according to Talksport two Premier League clubs are monitoring van der Wiel with a view to making Ajax an offer for his services.

Talksport doesn't name the clubs but Arsenal are rumoured to be one, and Ajax have admitted that if a "sensible" bid was tabled for the 22-year-old they would be prepared to release him in January. By sensible, Ajax mean in the region of £15m and the club confirmed that in recent days two Premier League clubs have requested "representative passes" to watch van der Wiel in action.

The Sun says that Inter Milan are the latest club to run the rule over England centre-back Gary Cahill following his breakthrough on to the international scene.

Manchester United and Arsenal are known to be interested in the Bolton blocker but now they face competition from Rafa Benitez who well remembers Cahill from his days managing Liverpool. But Bolton boss Owen Coyle has made it clear that the player won't come cheap, even if he envisages a time when he has to wave goodbye to the 24-year-old: "There will come a day, and I hope it doesn't come in January, that Gary Cahill will probably outgrow this football club given the finance involved in it," admitted Coyle.

"I firmly believe he could play for any of the top four clubs. And if that day comes, Gary would go with our blessing. He has been a terrific servant. The reason those clubs are in for him is because he has been playing consistently well for me as a manager. I have always said I have no qualms with anyone, as long as they pour their heart and soul into their job." ·