Arsenal still hopeful on Edu deal

Edu is hoping Arsenal deal will go ahead

Arsenal still hope to sign Brazilian Edu - despite the player being refused entry to Britain by Heathrow Airport immigration officials.

It was alleged Edu was attempting to enter the country on a forged passport.

Arsenal have admitted there was a passport problem, but have confirmed they still hope to complete the formalities of the deal within days.

A statement issued from Highbury said: "The club and the player have acted in good faith.

" Unbeknown to both parties, there was a problem with Edu's passport and consequently, he has returned to Brazil where the situation can be resolved.

" We hope to have a clearer indication in the next few days of when he can come back to Britain and join up with the Club."

A Home Office spokesman said after Edu's problem was discovered: "We can confirm a Brazilian national was refused entry to the UK when he was found to be in possession of a counterfeit passport."

Edu was travelling with the team's other Brazilian player Silvinho, who was waved through without any problems.

I will go back to check what happened and my intention is to come back as soon as possible

  Edu

The player himself was interviewed in the departure lounge and said: "I don't know what happened. I arrived here and the people said I could not come in.

"I'm going back to Brazil to sort out the problem. I was told I did not need a visa.

"I don't know what reason there is for me being sent home. I will go back to check what happened and my intention is to come back as soon as possible."

Esteban Fuertes ran into similar problems

But Arsenal fans will be wary after Derby had similar problems with Esteban Fuertes.

The Argentinian player was originally allowed into the country but was refused entry after returning from a club trip to Portugal.

He was travelling on a forged Italian passport and he never returned to the club.

Arsenal's lawyers apparently tried to prevent Edu from being deported but failed and he left Britain on a flight at 22.00 BST on Tuesday.