Arsenal started preparing for life after Thierry Henry by signing Croatian striker Eduardo da Silva from Dinamo Zagreb for a reported sum of £16.25 million today. Though the Arsenal board has stated that the fee is close to half that amount reported in the media.
The Brazillian born Croatian international aged 24, has signed a contract that will keep him at the Emirates for four years, and after completing his medical test will wear the number 9 shirt previously worn by Brazillian striker Julio Baptista who has returned to Real madrid after his loan transpired.
Wenger’s need to find a formidable replacement for the departed Henry is exemplified by Da Silva’s credentials for both club and country. The striker has scored 7 goals in his last 12 matches for his country including one in Croatias 2-0 victory against Steve Mac Claren’s England last October. For club he has scored 34 goals in 32 games which is aan oustanding record.
After being linked with possible replacements for Henry such as Michael Owen and Obefemi Martins Wenger said of the newest addition to the Arsenal team “He has great qualities and will intergrate very well into our style of football. He is a very good finisher and although is predominantly a striker , he is an adaptable player.”
If the reputed 16.25 million sale of Da Silva is said to be true it would be the biggest ever transfer in Croatian soccer, including the period of when the country was part of the former Yugoslavia.
Upon agreeing terms with Arsenal, Da Silva has said to be ecstatic about the move: “Every football player wants to play Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United or Arsenal one day and so do i. Iweantto progress my career, but it will be hard to leave Dinamo Zagreb after 8 years. I will miss the club, the guys…i will be back one day, but now i want to accept a new challenge.”
Wenger said of his new acquisition : “i have known about him for a while but his performances against us last year’s champions league really showed what a dangerous player he is. Da Silva is 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 looking forward to him joining up with us.”
Filed under: arsenal, football, football transfers
