Arsene Wenger has defended Arsenal’s £42.5 million Mesut Özil signing during a pre-match press conference ahead of today’s Community Shield.

Özil joined the Gunners from Real Madrid for a club record fee back in August 2013.

“No it was not a mistake to sign him,” Wenger stated when asked whether the signing of the Germany international was a mistake (Mirror).

“You come with me for a week in training and watch him play and you will never think I made a mistake.”

The 26-year-old came under fire from pundits and journalists following a slow start to his Arsenal career.

Özil provided nine assists and five goals in 32 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions last season. The world cup winner has been in good form since the turn of the year winning two Vitality Arsenal Player of the Month and a PFA Fans Player of the Month award.

The 26-year-old has hit the ground running during pre-season, Özil provided two assists and scored during Arsenal’s 6-0 victory over Lyon.

The North London based side take on their rivals Chelsea in the Charity shield later today.

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