Arsenal have signed Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva from Dinamo Zagreb for an undisclosed fee.  The 24-year-old was born in Brazil, but having moved to Europe at the age of 15, he took Croatian nationality in 2002.

The striker - who has agreed a four-year deal - scored the first competitive goal at Emirates Stadium when the Gunners beat Dinamo during last season's Champions League third qualifying round in late August.

Da Silva has scored seven goals in 12 appearances for Croatia - including one against England during the 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifier victory in Zagreb last October.

The deal for da Silva, which is subject to a medical, is the Gunners' first move in the transfer market since the £16million sale of captain Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

Manager Arsene Wenger had been keen to recruit a proven goalscorer, with Newcastle duo Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen reported to be on his shopping list.

However, the Gunners boss is now likely to turn his attentions to defensive cover following the signing of da Silva, who finished the Croatian season as their top scorer with a record 34 goals.

Wenger, who has been recharging his batteries at an Italian health resort ahead of the pre-season schedule, is now expected to step up his interest in Auxerre full-back Bakary Sagna.

The 24-year-old is likely to cost in the region of £6million and is keen on a move to Arsenal.