Arsenal break record transfer fee to sign Mesut Ozil

No you're not dreaming, Mesut Ozil is actually an Arsenal player. The best number 10 in the world according to numerous players and managers, agreed a 5 year deal with Arsenal on transfer deadline day as the Gunners smashed their transfer record and wage cap to sign the 24 year old. Aside from all that excitement we also signed a back up keeper, Emiliano Vivano on loan from Palermo for the season.

Arsenal pulled off one of the deals of the window to sign Ozil

Arsenal have spent £42.4m to make Ozil the most expensive German footballer. It finally signifies the Gunners intent to get world class players to join the club and help them win trophies again. Ozil reportedly turned down an offer from PSG in which he would have been given more money but chose to join the Premier League instead. Arsene Wenger was key in making him join, the German claimed that he was the missing piece, someone that had complete faith and trust in him. Ozil realised that with Isco at Real and with Bale now joining that his chances would be limited so he got out as soon as he could. Had we not got Champions League football then there was no way that this deal would've happened! Mesut Ozil is an assist machine, since 2010 he has 47 assists, no one has more than that in Europe's top leagues. Giroud will benefit hugely from this, with 4 goals already this season, surely he'll grab more with Ozil playing behind him. This transfer could also spark some major deals in the future. A world class striker could come in, I mean who wouldn't want to play infront of the German international? The tempatation would be huge. This is an incredible signing, we've signed a player who is already proven on the world stage and being young, he has his best years ahead of him. Why Real agreed to let him go is beyond me, but who cares, because he's ours now!

On to our other deal on deadline day. Over shadowed by the Ozil deal was the capture of Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano from Palermo on a season long loan deal. The move includes an option to buy at the end of his loan should we chose we want to keep him at the club. He should provide good competition for Szczesny, having kept 12 clean sheets on loan at Fiorientina last season. One man who won't be as happy with the extra competition though is Lukasz Fabianski. He did very well when Szczesny was out of form last season and will be dissapointed that he will be shoved down the pecking order once more. Fabianski was the last senior keeper Wenger signed all the way back in 2007, the arrival of a keeper has been due for a very long time. Viviano is only second to Buffon in the Italian nation team so that shows his quality.

There were rumours that we were looking for a striker on deadline day. Abel Hernandez, also of Palermo, was linked but nothing seemed to happen. Demba Ba was also close after we enquired about the availability of him on loan. However Chelsea didn't want to give him to a rival club and the deal didn't happen. Di Maria was another player that could've arrived from Real Madrid but our interest cooled through out the day.

To see who left and joined Arsenal this summer click here.

Flamini re-joins whilst Arsenal find out European Opponents

Yesterday was a busy day for Arsenal, we actually signed someone, allbeit on a free transfer. We also found out our Champions League group stage opponents.

I'll start off with the news of the club's latest recruit. French defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini has re-joined the club following his release from AC Milan. He had been training with the club over the past week and his determination and ambition sparked Wenger to make a move for him. Hardly a marquee signing but one that should provide good cover and competition for places. He has experience of playing in England before and already knows the club and Wenger. He had a troublesome time at Milan not really being able to show the talent he had produced at the Emirates. However he's back and is eager to make an impression once more. He fills the defensive midfield position we needed whilst he can also cover at full back which he showed in his first spell as a Gunner. With injuries all over the place he'll slot straight into the 18 man squad for Sunday's crucial game against North London Rivals Spurs. A game that'll be tough as ever considering their recent spending.

Onto the Champions League group stage draw. We've been alotted into group F, along with French side Marseille and runners up from last time out Borussia Dortmund. We also have Napoli who we played in the pre-season Emirates Cup. The draw could not have been tougher bar having PSG instead of Marseille. The draw has given another reason, if any more reasons were needed to be given, that the club needs to spend and get world class players in. The latest to be rumoured are the Real Madrid trio of Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria. Di Maria would be the most likely due to the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale in the Spanish capital. I can't really see all three joining though. Arsenal still have a keen interest in Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye but Wenger is reluctant to bid the £17m required. Young defensive midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who plays for Saint-Etienne, is subject of an £8.5m bid should we not persue Cabaye any further.

The transfer window closes on Monday, but before that is the North London Derby. The next few days could determine our season despite being at such an early stage!

Sanogo joins, Mannone leaves

The transfer window opened on Monday and a sense of expectancy rose on what is expected to be a busy summer for Arsenal. We've been rumoured with a whole host of players but our first signing was one that raised a few questions marks. It was a striker, surely that's a good thing right? Was it Higuain, Lewandowski or Wayne Rooney? No, it was French prodigy Yaya Sanogo. Not a big name but he looks a very promising capture. He has signed for the club on a free-transfer after not renewing his contact at French Club Auxurre. He's tall and pacey but has had a troublesome start to his career after picking up many injuries. The last 20 year old Frenchman we signed from Auxurre was Abou Diaby, and you know where that went. We did also sign Bacary Sagna from them so they're no mugs when it comes to producing talented players. Sanogo should also prosper under the guidance of Arsene Wenger. However, it remains to be seen whether he'll be loaned out or be given sufficient opportunities in the first team this season. That'll probably be judged on how he does in pre-season if he goes on the Asia Tour or takes part in the Emirates Cup.

Many players have been released from the club. Denilson, Squillaci and Arshavin are the main names and indeed Arshavin has returned to his home club Zenit for a third spell there. Today though saw Vito Mannone leave the club on a permanent deal to Sunderland. The Italian goalkeeper had mixed fortunes at Arsenal but his departure is further evidence of the 'deadwood' clear out at the Emirates. Vito enjoyed probably his best season at the club in 2012/13 as he made 9 Premier League and 4 Champions League appearences when Szczesny and Fabianski were out injured. A promising keeper but his 8 year spell at Arsenal will most likely be remembered for the errors he made.

Yaya Sanogo in action for France U20's

Who will depart Arsenal in January?

As usual, Arsenal have been linked with a ridiculous amount of players so far this month and also just before Christmas. Most fans see it absolutely necessary that Wenger spends this window and most importantly strenghens the squad. What positions do we need though? It all depends on who we sell/loan out as well.

It seems as though Wenger is having a January clearout, getting rid of all the deadwood that is currently at the club. However that is proving difficult due to the high wages that these 'fringe' players are on. Marouane Chamakh has gone out on loan to West Ham until the end of the season whilst Djourou has been shipped out to German side Hannover for the same period. The penny seems to have finally dropped with Wenger in terms of selling players that aren't needed. He's also looking to find a new club for Sebastian Squillaci who is rumoured to be of interest to many french clubs. Squillaci himself has said that he is looking for a new club, whether it is this month or in the summer when his contract ends remains to be seen.

Another man that could be on his way out of the club is Andrey Arshavin. The Russian has been a bit hit and miss of late, but in my opinion defintely adds more to the squad than Gervinho who has just departed to the African Cup of Nations. Arshavin is being chased by quite a few clubs. One of which is Reading. The relegation threatened side, who have a Russian owner was looking to Arshavin to guide them to safety after a brilliant display against them in the League cup earlier this season. However according to reports, he isn't keen on a move to Reading due to the low wages that they would pay him. Another club after him are dutch giants PSV who are wanting to take him on loan. There have also been quiet rumours that he could be apart of a move which sees defensive midfielder Kevin Strootman move in the opposite direction. A fair deal in my opinion. Strootman is man that we've apparently sent scouts to watch a few times and they rate him highly. Could a move be on the cards? Arshavin's Arsenal contract ends in the summer meaning he could go for free, a bargain for any club looking for creativity. It would be a shame to see him go after all he gave to the club in his early Arsenal career but I think his time is up.

Could Arshavin be leaving for good this January?

Review of Summer Signings

As we got closer to 'Transfer Deadline Day' we thought that the Arsenal board would not be investing much more to try and strengthen the squad after selling key figures such as Fabregas, Nasri and Clichy. However as we reached the transfer deadline Arsenal had managed to bag 3 players and then just as the clock struck 11pm last night which meant the transfers had to have been completed, Arsenal finalised a deal for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, much to the relief of Arsenal fans around the world, as we made 4 signings on the day of the window closing. Not forgetting that we also signed 5 players before all the fuss started. Could this spray of quality signings for little money come because of the 8-2 loss to United at the weekend? Yes partly and because we desperately needed to strengthen our defence and midfield. It is also rumoured that the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger got involved with the transfers to make sure they went ahead before the deadline.

Here is a list of all our summer signings and the fee which we bought them for:

Ryo Miyaichi: The Japenese wideman was officially welcomed to the club in the summer, after spending half the season on loan at Feyenoord last season after he had signed for Arsenal in January. Playing 12 times and scoring 3 goals in the Dutch league for Feyenood meant Ryo went straight into Arsene Wenger's first XI. He featured in every away pre season game but did not feature in the Emirates cup due to not being given a work permit to play in England yet. The work permit was soon granted and Miyaichi has been a sub in every Arsenal game so far this season. Ryo will wear the number 31 shirt.
Fee: Free Transfer from Chukyodai Chukyo High School 


Carl Jenkinson: The English born Finnish full back came to the club as Arsenals first proper signing of the transfer window. Jenkinson was playing on loan from Charlton at non league club Welling United last season for half of last season. However the young defender has not had the greatest of starts at the club scoring an own goal in the friendly win over Cologne and being sent off in the Gunners 8-2 loss to Manchester United. Jenkinson will wear the shirt formally worn by Emmanuel Adebayor, number 25.
Fee: £1million from Charlton Athletic

Gervinho: Gervinho became Arsenal's first big signing of the summer as the Ivorian forward signed from french league champions Lille. Gervinho who is a major part of the Ivory Coast nation team has had a decent start for Arsenal scoring 2 on his debut in a friendly against German side Cologne and being one of Arsenal's star men in the 2-1 win over Udinese in Italy to qualify for the Champions League. However the Ivorian's first game saw him seeing red for a slap on Newcastle's Joey Barton. Gervinho will wear the number left by Eboue following his departure to Galatasaray, number 27.
Fee: £10.5million from Lille

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: The young Englishman was Arsenal's most expensive signing of the summer and joining the club from newly promoted Southampton. Alex was a key part of that Southampton side last season playing 36 times and scoring 9 goals for the Saints as they won promotion to the Championship. Oxlade-Chamberlain has played only once so far coming on as a substitute against Manchester United at Old Trafford. He will wear the number 15 shirt.
Fee: £12million from Southampton

Joel Campbell: The young Costa Rican striker was signed from Saprissa in his home-land where he featured just 3 times at senior level. However he has played for the Costa Rican U20's 13 times having scored 10 goals. He has played only 6 times for the full national side which meant Campbell was not granted a work permit to play in England yet. Therefore he was loaned out to French club Lorient.
Fee: Undiscloed from Saprissa.

Park Chu Young: The Gunners new number 9 was signed up as cover for Marouane Chamakh who will be playing the Africa Cup of Nations in January and for Bendtner as he has gone out on loan. Park is thought to feature more than Chamakh. The Korean striker is experienced and is the captain of the South Korea side. However Park will only be able to play for 2 and a half years at the club due to him having to go back to Korea to do military service, unless he is excused from it by doing well with the national side or Arsenal.
Fee: £5million from Monaco

Andre Santos: The first signing of transfer deadline day Andre Santos who is a full back has come into the side as a much needed replacement for Gael Clichy. Santos is known for having some tricks in his locker and can also produce the odd goal from distance scoring a goal nearly every 5 games for his ex club Fenerbahce. The Turkish club which he signed from has been in trouble recently after being thrown out of the Champions League for match fixing and are also facing relegation to the Turkish fourth division so it was no suprise that the player was looking for a move away. Santos has played 22 times for Brazil and will wear the number 11 shirt.
Fee: £6.5million from Fenerbahce

Per Mertesacker: The giant German defender has been brought into the side to strengthen a shaky defence with Vermaelen being the only decent centre half in recent years. Per has played a key part in the national side recently having 75 caps to his name and 147 appearances for previous club Werder Bremen. At 6ft 6 Mertesacker is now one of the tallest players in the Premier League and is to bring experience to an unexperienced back four as being the captain of Werder Bremen. Per will wear the number 4 shirt, previously left behind by fan favourite Cesc Fabregas.
Fee: £9million from Werder Bremen. 

Yossi Benayoun: The Israelian attacking midfielder has signed on a season long loan deal from London rivals Chelsea. Yossi will bring much needed Premier League experience to Arsenal having played for West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea in the English top flight. Benayoun has played 83 times for his national side Isreal, but has only started 8 times for his parent club Chelsea after signing from Liverpool in 2010. Benayoun will wear the number 30 shirt.
Fee: Season Long loan from Chelsea

Mikel Arteta: The Spanish playmaker was snapped up by Arsenal at the very last minute on transfer deadline day as he joined the Gunners looking for Champions League football. Along with Benayoun, Arteta will bring Premier League experience to the club having played 161 times in the league for Everton. On a crazy day for Arsenal Arteta handed in a transfer request to help him seal the deal to go to the Emirates and even took a pay cut to join the North London club. Arteta has choosen his squad number and it will be Samir Nasri's old number of 8.
Fee: £10million from Everton

Arsenal's summer spending has come to a huge total compared to recent years as we splashed out £54million to bring in players to strengthen the squad which signals an intention to get the club back up and running again. For Arsenal the season starts again after the international break in a weeks time as we face newly promoted Swansea looking for our first Premier League win of the season.

Champions League Draw and Squillaci Signing

Arsenal have made their third signing of the summer transfer window. They have signed 30 year old french defender Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla in a deal thought to be worth around £4 million. He has signed a four year contract at the Emirates.
Arsenal knew they needed to sign another defender to boost their options after losing Gallas to Spurs, Campbell to Newcastle and Silvestre who is yet to find another club.
Squillaci was apart of the disastrous french team at the 2010 World Cup and has earned 21 caps at that level. Before joining Sevilla he had a spell at french side Lyon and was apart of the team which won back to back league titles in 2007 and 2008. He spent 3 years at Lyon playing in 62 games and scoring 3 goals. He then spent 2 years at spanish side Sevilla before joining the Gunners. He made 49 appearences at the club scoring only 1 goal.

Also the draw for the Champions League group stage was made on Thursday. The Gunners have been drawn in Group H along with Ukranian Champions Shakhtar Donetsk, Portuguese side Sporting Braga and Serbian Champions Partizan Belgrade. Arsenal will see Eduardo returning quickly to the Emirates after moving to Shakhtar this summer as the Ukranian Champions will play the Gunners in Group H. The remaining groups were drawn out like this:
Group A: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Tottenham, FC Twente.

Group B: Lyon, Benfica, FC Shalke, Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

Group C: Manchester United, Velencia, Rangers, Bursaspor.

Group D: Barcelona,Panathinaikos, FC København, Rubin Kazan.

Group E: Bayern Munich, Roma, FC Basel, CFR Cluj.

Group F: Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zilina.

Group G: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre.

Group H: Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga, Partizan.