As the clock counted down on deadline day, Arsenal fans did not really know what to believe. They had originally been linked with Karim Benzema, Luis Suarez, Angel Di Maria and a few others, but the latest was that they were in for Mesut Ozil.
Although surprising and shocking all at the same time, when deadline day finally came to a close, Mesut Ozil was a Gunner, and Arsenal fans around the world were left in complete disbelief. Could it be that Arsene Wenger had finally smashed the transfer record on a player who has been a regular starter in the German side?
It was true, and now those same Arsenal fans will most likely get a chance to see the Arsenal number 11 in action, at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Arsene Wenger has praised his new signing, and has even stated that he could potentially start the match. But apart from all that, Wenger has compared the German international to one Dennis Bergkamp.
"It is comparable because they are similar players in the same department and they are big names who come from big teams," Wenger said on the club's official website.
"You must say as well that Ozil was not perceived as being a failure at Real Madrid, he was perceived by the whole world as being a huge success at Real Madrid, so of course the noise made by a signature like that is big."
At the age of 24, Ozil really made a name for himself at the Bernabeu, and he will now look to continue that success at the Emirates.
From his three seasons with Real Madrid, he averaged 22 assists and nine goals. When you add his creativity and vision into Arsenal's midfield and final third, he could really be a pleasant spark, taking a lot of pressure off of Santi Cazorla.
An away match against Sunderland could give Ozil the perfect opportunity for a positive debut, considering how poor they have been in their first three matches. When you also consider Arsenal's current run of form, and the way the players reacted to the signing, Wenger's side will go into the Stadium of Light full of confidence.
Will Ozil be able to guide his new team to a fifth consecutive victory on Saturday, or will all the excitement be turned into frustration? Di Canio will be hoping his side can spoil the party for Arsenal, but without a victory against the Gunners at home since 2009, the Black Cats will really have to put in a solid performance.
