COLCHESTER United have secured their first signing of the summer by snapping up Craig Eastmond this afternoon.

Midfield general Eastmond impressed during a loan spell from Arsenal last season, arriving on the same day as Joe Dunne was installed as the new U’s boss.

He helped to lift the Essex club out of the relegation zone and towards mid-table, before his loan stint was cut short by injury.

Eastmond has signed a two-year deal.

The 22-year-old impressed during his 12 appearances for the U’s last term, scoring two goals, in the 2-0 home win over Carlisle and the 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury.

His last outing was the 5-1 defeat by MK Dons.

Eastmond is set to become a key player for the U’s during 2013-14, having shown his strengths as a good passer of the ball from a central role in front of the back four.