Ozil deal proves Arsenal are title contenders, says Walcott

The Gunners smashed their transfer record with the €47 million signing from Real Madrid, and his new team-mate believes it is a statement of intent to their top-flight rivals

Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott believes the signing of Mesut Ozil proves the club are serious Premier League contenders this season.

The Germany playmaker completed a €47 million move from Real Madrid on deadline day, becoming Arsenal's fourth signing of the window following Yaya Sanogo, Mathieu Flamini and Emiliano Viviano.

Arsenal lost their opening game of the season at home to Aston Villa, but have since reached the Champions League group stage and beat rivals Tottenham 1-0 on Sunday, and Walcott feels the addition of Ozil will only improve the team further.

"It definitely shows a statement that we are ready to step up," Walcott told reporters.

"We had a disappointing start to the season, but we have bounced back and it is looking fantastic now.

"With the likes of Ozil joining the club, it is only going to boost everyone."

Ozil, who scored nine and assisted 16 goals last season, is in line to make his Arsenal debut when they travel to Sunderland on September 14.