Da Silva decision expected next week
Wenger's side will kick-off their Premiership campaign at home to Fulham
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Friday, 27, Jul 2007 10:16
Arsenal's new signing Eduardo da Silva will find out next week if he will be given a work permit.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealed the Home Office will make their decision on Thursday whether to grant the Croatia striker a permit.
Da Silva was signed from Dinamo Zagreb for around £7.5 million on a four-year deal.
The 24-year-old was born in Brazil but moved to Croatia aged 15. He changed his nationality when he was 22 years old.
Wenger said he was confident they will receive the go-ahead to sign the Croatian international.
"We've a hearing, an appeal on August 2nd for his work permit," Wenger said.
"He has 50 per cent national games for Croatia, which is a great achievement. He's played every game in the last year, so it'll be extremely close.
"There are some signings in England who didn't play even one game for smaller countries than Croatia.
"I'm optimistic that we have a reasonable chance."
Da Silva was the north London club's first signing since the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona last month.
He bagged 34 goals last season, smashing the record for the most number of goals in the Croatian season.
Da Silva scored at the Emirates last season when Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League third qualifying round.