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Manchester United made a last gasp attempt to snatch transfer record breaker Mesut Ozil from Arsenal’s grasp.

United made enquiries on Monday with Old Trafford boss David Moyes desperate to bring in a top quality playmaker before his deal for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera went horribly wrong.

Mirror Sport understands that desperate phone calls were made on Monday morning to see if Ozil was still available, having been offered by third party agents two weeks before.

But it was already too late as Germany midfielder Ozil, 24, had turned down a more lucrative offer from Paris Saint Germain and now it emerges that Arsenal also beat United to a deal with Real Madrid.

It is a remarkable coup for Arsenal to get the £42m midfielder who has signed a five year deal at the Emirates worth £140,000-a-week and has been given the No11 shirt. Arsenal had already invested weeks of preparation into the deal and that was vital in them fending off late competition.

The interest in Ozil - the second biggest deal in Premier League history after Fernando Torres’ £50m deal in January 2011 - has been incredible among Arsenal fans, sparking shirt sales and excitement as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made a clear message of intent.

England winger Theo Walcott yesterday claimed Ozil’s arrival proves that Arsenal are determined to get back to winning major trophies after eight barren years.

Walcott said: “It’s a fantastic signing. He has shown for his club and country that he is a fantastic player. It’s very exciting. I played against him with the Under-21s and we lost 4-0. He showed his qualities then. He has shown that for many years. I am looking forward to playing with him.

(Image: Alex Livesey)

“We had a disappointing start to the season but we have bounced back and it’s looking fantastic now. With the likes of Ozil joining the club, it’s only going to boost everyone at the club and everyone is going to be on a massive high.

“I think it definitely shows a statement that we are ready to step up and Ozil is going to be fantastic for me personally.

“With the amount of the assists he has got, it’s a dream for me to see so I am very excited to see him in the flesh and play with him. I am sure all the Arsenal fans will be looking forward to our next game at Sunderland.”