(http://www.theinfostride.com/cdn/img/gun1378134016ozil2.jpg)
Arsenal made their first major signing of the transfer window when they smashed the club record to buy Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid just minutes before the deadline on Monday.
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The Londoners confirmed it was a record but did not disclose the fee. Media reports said the 24-year-old cost £42.5 million , eclipsing the previous highest of 15 million pounds paid for Russian Andriy Arshavin in 2009.
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"We are extremely pleased to have signed Mesut Ozil," manager Arsene Wenger said on the club website (www.arsenal.com).
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"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."
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Chief executive Ivan Gazidis added: "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."
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Arsenal's only previous signings in this window were free agents - France youth international Yaya Sanogo and returning midfielder Mathieu Flamini from AC Milan. They also took Palermo's Italy goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano on loan.