The global following for both Özil and Arsenal was quickly evident on Monday. Within hours of his move being announced, Özil was taken aback to learn that he had added one million Facebook followers.
Similarly, Arsenal have noted that Özil’s Twitter following of more than three million actually exceeds their own club feed.
Özil’s popularity derives from his graceful playing style. Ruud Gullit has described Özil as “technically perfect” while Mourinho has likened his style to “art” and hailed him as the best No 10 in the world.
Having added experience at the highest level of club football with Madrid to his international achievements with Germany, Özil is entering his peak.
He has also been physically strengthened by gaining almost a stone in body weight during his three years at Madrid.
Özil will certainly add stature to Arsenal. The message on Tuesday was that this was just the beginning and tangible evidence of a new era at Arsenal of permanently enhanced financial firepower.
Most importantly, it is a signing that has prompted a shift in the narrative that surrounds the club. Staff at the Emirates on Tuesday were excitedly calling it a ‘Bergkamp’ moment.
From regularly selling some of the world’s best players over the past three years, Arsenal have become a buying club again.
Mesut Özil's £42m move to Arsenal sealed with one phone call from manager Arsene Wenger - Telegraph
