German playmaker Mesut Ozil joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in a club record deal on September 2, 2013.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s finest midfielders, the gifted left-footer spent three years in Madrid, making 159 appearances and scoring 27 goals. While at the Bernabeu, he won the league title in 2012 and was a runner-up twice – also picking up a Copa del Rey winner’s medal in 2011.

Before moving to Spain, Mesut was with Werder Bremen for two years and was a UEFA Cup runner-up in 2009. He began his career at hometown club Schalke, making his senior debut in 2006/07, and helping them finish as Bundesliga runners-up that year.

A creative force blessed with good acceleration and an eye for a killer pass, Mesut has made more assists – 72 – than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues during the last half-decade. He has also created more chances from open play – 353 – than anyone else during that time.

A full Germany international with a scoring record of almost one in three, he made his debut, aged 20, against Norway in 2009. Mesut, who is of Turkish descent, then starred at the 2010 World Cup and was among the nominees for the Golden Ball award.

Two years later he was named in the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament, after helping Germany to the semi finals. He first came to international attention when impressing for his country in their successful 2009 UEFA Under-21 Championship campaign, being named Man of the Match in the 4-0 victory over England in the final.