Mesut Ozil Joins Arsenal from Real Madrid in Club Record Transfer [VIDEO]

Arsenal have smashed their transfer record to sign German international Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid in one of the biggest deals of the transfer window.

The Gunners announced the capture of Ozil within minutes of the window closing, and the 24-year-old will join up with his new team-mates when he returns from international duty with Germany next week.

Arsenal refused to disclose the transfer fee, but confirmed it was a club record, expected to be in the region of £42m.

Ozil, who made his name in his home country with Schalke and Werder Bremen, has 47 international caps and is widely regarded as one of the most creative midfielders in world football.

However, following Real's signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham for £85m, Ozil's place in the Real first team was under threat and the player has opted for guaranteed first-team football at the Emirates.

Speaking about his move to England, Ozil said: "I'll proudly look back on my 3 years at Real Madrid. Now I'm looking forward to my future in the Premier League at Arsenal."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has been heavily criticised for his lack of signings in recent years, 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.

"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."