The Gunners have brought in several players from the South American nation down the years, but how have they fared in north London?
Arsenal have taken a shine to Brazilian talent again during the summer transfer window of 2022, with a potential star Marquinhos brought in before a big-money deal was completed with Manchester City for Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners have also been linked with Leds winger Raphinha, with a theme running through their recruitment which suggests South American flair features prominently in their thoughts.
Plenty of performers from that part of the world have passed through north London down the years – filling roles from full-back to centre-forward – but who were those Samba stars and how did they fare in English football? GOAL takes a look…
GettySylvinho
Made history in 1999 when becoming the first Brazilian to sign for Arsenal as a move from Corinthians was completed.
Succeeded club legend Nigel Winterburn as the Gunners’ go-to option at left-back and would make a total of 80 appearances across two seasons before being snapped up by Celta Vigo after making the PFA Team of the Year made in his final campaign.
GOAL rating: Hit
AdvertisementGettyJuan
Joined the Gunners from Sao Paulo in 2000 as a youngster with plenty of potential and provided cover for fellow countryman Sylvinho at left-back.
Was restricted to just two competition appearances for Arsenal – a League Cup clash with Grimsby and a FA Cup tie with Gillingham – before joining Millwall on loan and returning to his homeland in 2004 at Fluminense.
GOAL rating: Miss
GettyEdu
Saw a switch from Corinthians delayed by passport problems, but linked up with Arsenal as part of a £6 million ($7m) deal in January 2001.
Won two Premier League titles – forming part of the fabled ‘Invincibles’ squad of 2003-04 – alongside a couple of FA Cups and eventually returned to north London as the Gunners’ first technical director.
GOAL rating: Hit
Gilberto Silva
Caught Arsenal’s eye when helping Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002, and a transfer from Atletico Mineiro was put in place immediately after that tournament.
Slotted into the Gunners’ midfield alongside Patrick Vieira and would outstay the legendary Frenchman as a key holding component for Arsene Wenger.
By the time he left to join Panathinaikos in Greece in 208, he'd won a Premier League title and two FA Cup triumphs across six seasons and 244 appearances.
GOAL rating: Hit