The performance of the German international Mesut Ozil may have dropped in recent weeks, but manager Arsene Wenger says that his signing has made a lot of difference to the club. Arsenal have so far resisted the lure to sign big players for huge transfer fees. They have stuck with signing youngsters, who have then been sold on huge fees to other clubs. This model has not helped Arsenal win trophies, but it has helped them create a stable financial business. They finally decided to splash the cash in the summer by spending £ 42 million on Ozil.
The 24-year-old started his Arsenal career in impressive fashion by assisting numerous goals in the first few matches, but he has since gone off the boil in recent months. Despite this, Arsenal have been able to sustain the momentum and are currently top of the table. Wenger says that the signing of Ozil had given the club a huge boost, which has helped them win matches that they have previously lost or drawn. It was expected that the club would spend big in January as well, but so far, they have been quiet.
Ozil has scored five goals in 23 matches for the club, but there are numerous assists in these matches.
“The fact that we brought Özil in at top-level money has turned belief around again. What we can do in every window is spend the money we have available. We are still strong. If the money is available, yes we will go for special players. But we have to plan our resources. It is very exciting to be capable to fight [in the transfer market] and keep your players,” said the manager.
Wenger has said that he is hoping to announce new contracts for Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna, while also committing his future as well.