German international, Mesut Ozil joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day in a headline-grabbing deal worth £42.4 million, breaking Arsenal’s transfer record by more than twice after they paid £15 million for Andrey Arshavin in 2009.
It had been a quiet window for Wenger up to that point, as the Frenchman could only boast about the capture of 20-year-old Yaya Sanogo and former midfielder Mathieu Flamini, both on a free. The fans had been craving for a marquee signing due to the confirmation that the Gunners had around £70 million in their kitty.
And, true to Wenger’s words, he ‘surprised’ one and all after a phone call to Ozil convinced the 24-year-old to team up with the Gunners next season with Madrid having already accepted Arsenal’s huge bid.
Apart from the Gunners faithful, one person who was equally surprised with Ozil’s move from Spain to London is none other than their 2012-13 player of the year, Santi Cazorla.
According to ESPN, the former Malaga midfielder is surprised Madrid sold one their most unique players to Arsenal. He said, “I don’t understand that [why Real Madrid sold him], he is a unique player. You will have to ask the club for reasons why they sold them, but at the same time he didn’t think he was getting the opportunities he deserved and luckily he has come to us.”
However, Cazorla is naturally glad that Ozil chose to come to Arsenal since he can be the difference against the big teams. The Spain international also spoke about wanting to learn alongside the joint-highest assist provider in Europe over the last two campaigns.
He said, “I am very happy that Ozil is here. He is a spectacular player and we are very lucky we are going to learn alongside him. He is an important player and he is going to be very good for the team and the way we play. I hope he can help us fight against the big teams.”
True to form Ozil assisted on Giroud’s goal against Sunderland on Saturday, supplying a perfect cross for the French striker, instantly showing why he was purchased as he looked like he had been playing with his team-mates for some time not like it was his first game with them. Let’s hope it is the first of many as Ozil played his part in an incident packed game at the Stadium of Light as the Gunners won 3-1 with Aaron Ramsey banging in 2 goals.