September 2, 2013 was the day Mesut Ozil became the Gunners’ most expensive ever signing when he joined in a last minute deal from Spanish giants Real Madrid. The then 24-year-old was rumoured to have been unsettled at Real Madrid after a number of high profile signings had joined, putting Ozil’s future in doubt.
It was announced on deadline day that Ozil had joined Arsenal on a five-year deal for a staggering £43 million, making him not only the club’s most expensive player, but the most expensive German footballer of all time.
Ozil began his professional career at German side Schalke 04 before joining fellow Bundesliga side Werder Bremen for a reported £7 million in the summer of 2008.
After impressing for Germany in the 2008 FIFA World Cup, a host of Europe’s top clubs were said to have been interested in the attacking-midfielder.
Barcelona, Manchester United and even Arsenal were rumoured have enquired about Ozil’s availability, before Real Madrid swooped in and secured a deal for just under £20 million.
Following the arrival of Luka Modric at Real Madrid in 2012, Ozil was said to have been unhappy at his lack of first team opportunities and would be interested in a move.
However he went on to record 29 assists that season – more than any other player in Europe. But on September 2, 2013, Mesut Ozil completed his move to Arsenal, to become the most expensive ever German footballer.
1893: Liverpool beat Middlesbrough Ironopolis to claim their first win in the Football League.
1973: England legend Ian Botham played his first game for Somerset when he turned out in a Sunday League game against Sussex at Hove.
2001: John Daly secured his first tournament win for six years with victory in the BMW International in Germany.
2011: Celtic were reinstated to the Europa League after UEFA threw out Swiss side FC Sion for fielding ineligible players.
2014: England suffered a nine-wicket defeat to hand India an unassailable 3-0 lead in their one-day international series. Captain Alastair Cook said afterwards he still hoped to lead the team at the World Cup.
England captain Alastair Cook dejected in Test Series vs India.
