He is now the most expensive German soccer player ever. He’s the second-most expensive player in British soccer history, and for Arsenal, he shattered the club’s previous transfer record.
Just moments ago, former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil was officially confirmed as a new Arsenal player, his £42.2 million ($65.6 million) move crushing the club’s previous record spend (£15 million).
The deal’s potential become public yesterday, shortly after Gareth Bale’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu became official. But as reporting today told, Real Madrid had previously been shopping Özil, with Manchester United also said to have been offered the 24-year-old. Milan and, most prominently, Paris Saint-Germain were also linked with the German creator.
Arsenal, however, ultimately captured the number 10, adding him to a midfield that already features Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, and Mikel Arteta. But as his fee suggests, Özil should go right into the team, serving as the squad’s number 10 while playing under striker Olivier Giroud.
In just over three years in Madrid, Özil scored 19 times and assisted on 47 goals in 104 games. He helped lead the Merengues to three straight Champions League semifinals, a Copa del Rey (2010-11), and Spanish league title (2011-12).
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, from the club’s website:“We are extremely pleased to have signed Mesut Ozil. He is a great player, with proven quality at both club and international level. We have watched and admired him for some time as he has all the attributes I look for in an Arsenal player.
“I have said throughout the summer that we have been working hard to bring in top quality players to this football club. This has involved many many people across the Club and I have always had the full support of the Club in making decisions on the football side.
“Mesut is a top quality footballer who will be a fantastic addition to our talented squad. We are all looking forward to him joining up with us after his international matches with Germany and working with us as an Arsenal player.”Özil’s Arsenal debut could come as soon as Saturday, Sept. 14, when the Gunners visit Sunderland. In the interim, Arsenal’s record buy is on international duty with Germany.
