Mesut Özil first assist with Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has indicated Arsenal are in position to challenge for top honours again following the signing of Mesut Ozil. The Germany playmaker joined the Gunners from Real Madrid on the final day of the transfer window in a club record €47 million deal, following years of criticism over the Londoners' lack of spending in the transfer market. "Of course [it’s a statement]," Wenger said. "We had to go through some years with restricted financial potential and the target was to stay in the Champions League during this period. "We were able to do it and now we are strong financially. The best thing is to spend the money in an efficient way. That means to strengthen the team and spend money you can afford to spend."