Is AVB right? Did Arsenal overpay for Ozil?

The Tottenham boss has suggested that their north London rivals paid too much money for the Germany international playmaker.

Arsenal’s capture of Real Madrid’s playmaker Mesut Ozil was arguably the most eye-catching move of the summer transfer window for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Germany international is one of the best players in his position in the world, it was a surprise that Madrid were willing to sell him and even more of a surprise that the Gunners splurged the £42.5 million necessary to bring him to England.

The diminutive schemer is set to make his debut for Arsenal today away to Sunderland, with the footballing community in England keen to get a glimpse of their latest international star.

However, Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas, who spent over £100 million on seven international players over the summer, has questioned whether Arsenal have paid too much for their latest addition.
"Real Madrid sold a player for €50m, a wonderful, gifted footballer and in the end Arsenal paid heavily for a player of that dimension," said Villas-Boas. "It's a €50m transfer for a No10 that nobody has any doubt over his ability.

"They have lots of players for that position also but they have become even stronger with Ozil. The fact that Real Madrid sold him to Arsenal for that price, we can't say anything – we are happy with what we have and Real Madrid are happy.

"We are happy with what we have done in the transfer window, extremely happy. Arsenal did a great last-minute coup with Ozil but they will be as competitive as they were before."

There is no doubt that the addition of Ozil is a real statement of intent by Arsene Wenger’s men and that the player will surely improve the Gunners as a team. But is AVB right – did Arsenal pay too much for him?
Given the last-gasp nature of the transfer, the fee was always going to be inflated due to Madrid’s ability to ask for more money with Arsenal facing a summer without a big-name signing. It happened across the board with Marouane Fellaini, James McCarthy and countless others.

The £42.5 million it took to bring Ozil to north London is a monumental fee, there is no doubt. It completely shattered Arsenal’s transfer record and puts a world of expectation on the player’s shoulders.

If Arsenal had more time to negotiate the deal it is likely that a more modest price could have been agreed. However, if Ozil is the catalyst for Arsenal to get back into the title race and bring silverware to the club after an eight-year drought, surely the money they spent will be worth it?
What do you think – did Arsenal pay too much for Ozil?