The north London outfit have signed German international midfielder Mesut Özil from Spanish giants Real Madrid for an Arsenal club record fee.
Thought of as one of the most creative talents in European football the 24-year-old arrives in London following the successful seasons in Spain.
Özil is currently on international duty in Germany where he undertook a medical for the Gunners yesterday with Arsenal saying that they have signed him to a five year deal which will see him earn £150,000 per-week which will make him Arsenals highest paid player.
“I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League,” said Özil.
“It will be great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with (manager) Arsene Wenger.
“From our negotiations it is clear the club has huge ambition and I look forward to being part of an exciting future.”
Wenger added: “We are extremely pleased to have signed Mesut Özil.
“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.”
Arsenal had been criticised for not having spent any money on new players, and left it till the last day to make their marquee signing Özil who has 47 caps for Germany, and became surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu following the arrival of world record signing Gareth Bale from Tottenham.
The chief executive of Arsenal Ivan Gazidis said: “This is an exciting day for all of us. We have signed a world-class player who is one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
“Mr Kroenke, our controlling owner, has always fully supported Arsene and the club in making significant investments to strengthen our squad and to bring in talented players, who fit our style and ambitions.
“Like all of us, Mr Kroenke wants to see Arsenal winning titles and trophies and he has absolute faith and belief in our manager to achieve that. We will continue to work towards that goal and look forward to an exciting season.”
