Premier League: Arsenal complete record-breaking transfer

Arsenal have completed the £42.4m signing of Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil, breaking their club record by no less than £27.4m. Ozil, aged 24, has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners. "I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League," he said. Ozil, who has Turkish parents but was born in Germany, added: "My technique and feeling for the ball is the Turkish side to my game. The discipline, attitude and always-give-your-all is the German part. It will be great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with Arsene Wenger. From our negotiations it is clear the club has huge ambition and I look forward to being part of an exciting future." The Ozil transfer easily outshines the £15m Arsenal paid Zenit St Petersburg for Andrey Arshavin in 2009. Arsenal manager Wenger said: "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." Ozil, an established German international, joined Real from Werder Bremen three years ago for around £12.4m and has played 155 times for the club. 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 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." The Ozil signing has slightly improved Arsenal's odds for winning the title, they are 12/1 to win the Premier League at Bet365 while favourites Manchester City and Chelsea are tied at 2/1.