United attempted last-minute bid for German star.
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Manchester United failed in a late attempt to sign Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, though the player had already decided on a move to Arsenal, the Daily Mirror reports.
The 24-year-old became a club-record signing for the Gunners on deadline day, moving to the Emirates Stadium for over £42m, also the second-highest transfer fee ever paid by a British club.
Arsenal were alerted to his availability following Real Madrid’s big-money signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham, and moved quickly to beat off competition from PSG for his signature as well.
United, in contrast, endured a frustrating transfer deadline day, failing in their attempts to sign their first choice target Ander Herrera, and hoped to hijack a deal for Ozil as they seek a new midfield playmaker to be the long-term replacement for Paul Scholes, who retired at the end of last season.
In the end, the Red Devils settled for a £27.5m move for Everton’s Marouane Fellaini, though they are expected to re-enter the transfer market in January to make amends for a disappointing summer window.
As well as their late scramble for Ozil, United missed out on the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas this summer, leading some to question new manager David Moyes already, just a few months into the job after replacing Sir Alex Ferguson.