Arsenal Complete Eduardo Signing

Arsenal have completed the signing of Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva from Dinamo Zagreb, pending receipt of a work permit, after he completed a medical at the Emirates Stadium.

Eduardo, 24, has signed a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, which Zagreb have claimed is as high as £16.25m, but which Arsenal insist is closer to half that sum. He will be given the No9 shirt at Arsenal - worn last season by Real Madrid loanee Julio Baptista.

"I am so happy and proud to be joining Arsenal," said Eduardo. "They are one of the biggest clubs in the world with many great players and I am looking forward to helping my new club challenge for trophies."

Having sanctioned Thierry Henry's move to Barcelona this summer, Arsene Wenger was quick to play down fears that his replacement would struggle with the step up in quality from the Croatian league to the Premiership. "He has great qualities and will integrate very well into our style of football," said Wenger. "He is a very good finisher and although he is predominantly a striker, he is a very adaptable player.

"I have known about him for a while, but his performances against us in last year's Champions League really showed what a dangerous player he is. Da Silva is a pacy, intelligent player. Also, he is hardworking and has a very good team ethic to his game. Eduardo will be a great asset for us and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us."

Eduardo, who scored 34 goals in 32 games for Zagreb last year, should certainly get plenty of opportunities next season as Arsenal look to find the best combination from a young set of forwards that already features Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott. With 12 caps for Croatia and seven international goals to his name already, the Brazilian-born striker should have no trouble getting a work permit.