Finally, after days of speculation, Mesut Ozil has completed his transfer from Real Madrid to Arsenal for 42.5 million pounds. Incidentally, it happens to be club record transfer. The 25 year old prolific midfielder is currently with the German squad under Joachim Low. He underwent a medical in Munich before signing for the Gunners. Bayern doctor, Hans Wilhelm Muller supervised his medical examination.
Former Werder Bremen team mate, Per Mertesacker and Ozil are reunited at the Emirates. Lukas Podolski, is also part of the team, which provides the Gunners with the German trio who operate in defense, mid-field and attack respectively.
This is the highest deal which ‘Real’ has offered to any club, breaking their previous record held by Robinho. They sold him for 32.5 million pounds to Manchester City in 2008. In fact, this has been the most expensive transfer for a German player ever. Mario Gotze held the record of being transferred for 37 million pounds from Borussia Dortmund . This happened earlier this summer. Arsenal’s frustration over their previous bids led to Mesut Ozil, being signed on the final day of the transfer window. The Gunners failed to land Gonzalo Higuain, who was transferred to Napoli from Real Madrid. Arsenal also bid for Luis Suarez, but Liverpool showed no interest.
Arsene Wenger is ecstatic after having signed Mesut Ozil. “Our team is extremely pleased to have signed a player like Mesut Ozil. With proven quality at both international and club level, we expect Ozil to deliver an amazing performance this season. We have admired and watched him for some time and all his attributes fit into that of a prolific midfielder. In short, I expect such qualities in every Arsenal player.” said Arsene Wenger.
Ozil is thrilled and excited to be part of Arsenal. “I am excited to be joining a club like Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League. My skills are bound to be developed as a player and in particular, I am eager to work with Arsene Wenger.”
With the deal done and dusted, it remains whether Ozil would justify his price tag and make it look like a smart bargain at the end of the season.