When Cristiano Ronaldo gets immensely disappointed by a player's exit from a club, much doesn't need to be said regarding the talent of that player. This is exactly what happened when Mesut Ozil was sold by Real Madrid to Arsenal. Several Real Madrid players were disappointed with this transfer, such was the quality of the German. Ozil is considered by many to be one of the greatest playmakers in football history, and he would've been a dream player for any striker behind them during his prime. When everyone else was focused on scoring goals, Ozil was focused on providing them. It was at Real Madrid where he established himself as one of the finest in Europe, but this article will be looking at Ozil's time at Arsenal. Let us now look at the German Magicians 8 year stint with the Gunners.

Style of play

One of the major aspects of Ozil that stood out was his immense versatility, as he played in several different positions throughout his career. Even though he excelled in an advanced playmaking role, Ozil also operated as a winger, attacking midfielder, false 10, second striker, and even as a centre-forward during different phases of his career.

Ozil's main attributes were his vision, control, passing range, positional sense, and brilliant set-piece taking abilities. All of these made him one of the most creative players in world football at the time, which even gave him the name of "assist-king" at the time.

The first few years at Arsenal

Ozil moved to Arsenal for a fee of £42.5 million, which made him the most expensive German player at the time. The move resulted in high expectations and hopes from Arsenal fans. Ozil had a brilliant start to life at Arsenal, as he was frequently involved in scoring or assisting for the Gunners and guiding them to victory at the time.

The months that followed were a bit difficult for the German, as his injury issues began to mount up and affect his contributions on the pitch. It was only in March that he scored his first goal that year against Everton in a 4-1 win for Arsenal in the FA Cup. He yet again suffered an injury setback and was out for a month. Ozil returned before the season ended and played Arsenal's remaining fixtures. The German's first season ended with 13 assists and 7 goals in all competition, and he won his first trophy with Arsenal as well after winning the FA Cup.

Ozil's second season at the club was similar to the first. Injuries hampered his progress at Arsenal, but he would show his brilliance whenever he played for the Gunners. His second season ended with 14 goal contributes and yet another FA Cup title win.

The period of excellence

Mesut Ozil's next 2 seasons with Arsenal saw the best of him, as he went on to show why he was one of the best in his position. Arsenal started the 2015-16 season by winning the Community Shield after beating League champions Chelsea 1-0. The Premier League began a week later, and the months that followed saw Ozil at his very best for Arsenal. He didn't score much that season, but he went on a record-breaking assist spree. Arsenal ended that season with no major titles, but Ozil had his best time with club till then. He had 19 league assists that season, a number only bettered by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Ozil's brilliance continued in the next season as well, as he ended up winning his 3rd FA Cup title with the Gunners. It was one of his best ever seasons at Arsenal, as he was equally good at scoring and assisting this time around. Ozil finished the season with 12 goals and 13 assists.

Final years

The 2017–18 season was the final year of his contract, and Ozil was also suffering from injury problems at this time as well. He was still brilliant for the team whenever he played. Ozil entered January with 6 months remaining in his contract, but eventually renewed his contract with Arsenal to become the highest paid player in club history. He continued performing brilliantly for the club, and looked likely to be with Arsenal for the foreseeable future.

The months that followed however, saw the decline of Ozil at Arsenal. Constant injury issues and a dip in form affected the player. He was even left out of the first-team squad on few occasions. He had a strained relationship with then manager Unai Emery, which did not help things.

The arrival of Mikel Arteta as Arsenal coach didn't improve matters as well. Ozil's game-time at Arsenal drastically reduced and he was even left out of the club's Premier League squad.

His contract with Arsenal ended up being terminated, ending his time at the emirates.

Ozil might've not won the Premier League with Arsenal, but there's no doubt that he amazed the club and it's fans with his brilliance. He will forever be remember by the Gunners fanbase.