Ozil, 24, joins Arsenal from Real Madrid where he made a
total of 159 appearances in three years. During that time he won both La Liga
and the Copa del Rey.
The attacking midfielder has been a long-term target and
manager Arsène Wenger said: “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.
“He
[Ozil] 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.” - Arsène Wenger
“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 chief executive 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 Arsène 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.”
Ozil joined his hometown club Schalke in 2006 at the age of
18 and, after spending two years with the Gelsenkirchen club, he made the move
to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2008. After making 71 appearances with
Bremen, Ozil made the move to Real Madrid following impressive displays at the
World Cup in South Africa. He has made 47 appearances for his country, scoring
17 goals.
Speaking after completing his medical in Germany, Ozil said:
“I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking
forward to playing in the Premier League. It will be great for my own personal
development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with
Arsène Wenger.
“From our negotiations it is clear the Club has huge ambition
and I look forward to being part of an exciting future.”
Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Mesut to the Club. The deal is
subject to the completion of regulatory processes. His number will be announced
via @Arsenal on Twitter shortly.
