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Mertesacker joy at Ozil Arsenal arrival

Mesut Ozil signed for a club record fee on transfer deadline day © Getty Images

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Per Mertesacker is delighted that his Germany international team-mate Mesut Ozil has joined him at Arsenal.

The Gunners splashed out a record £42.4 million on transfer deadline day to sign Ozil, 24, from Real Madrid.

It was a move that shocked many people in the football world - not least his team-mates. But Mertesacker says he's expecting "a lot" from Ozil at Arsenal.

"I know him quite well," he said after Germany beat Austria 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Munich.

"We spent two years together at Werder Bremen so I think that Arsene Wenger will get the best out of him."

"I think he will fit in. He suits us and we're really looking forward to playing with him and to be his team mate"

While Ozil is similar to the many creative players already at Arsenal, Mertesacker feels the playmaker is much needed at The Emirates.

"We lost a lot [of players] due to injury, especially in pre-season. We need players in every position - maybe two or three players, they can rotate and change position.

"We need to be dangerous up front and with him we are more dangerous."

The transfer came out of the blue but Mertesacker said he felt that Arsenal boss Wenger was always going to come up with something.

"We were patient all the time on the transfer market. Mr Wenger said always that he was on the market but nothing happened.

"I could feel that something happened at the end of the transfer window. So I really appreciate that transfer."

Mertesacker says that Ozil's confidence is high despite his somewhat acrimonious departure from Madrid. He also believes the fact that not everything went smoothly for Ozil in Spain will end up helping Arsenal.

"He went through rough times as well so his experience is vital and can make the difference."

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