Cazorla: Ozil has given Arsenal a big leap in quality

Posted Wednesday, September 25, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Santi Cazorla believes Mesut Ozil has provided Arsenal with a "big leap in quality," and he is hopeful the squad can now challenge for the Premier League title.

Ozil arrived on transfer deadline day for club-record 42.5 million pound fee from La Liga giant Real Madrid and has made an instant impact with three assists in his first two domestic games. Arsenal has responded to an opening day 3-1 loss to Aston Villa with seven straight victories in all competitions, and Cazorla believes the team has enough quality to end its eight-season trophy drought.

"Hopefully we win the title, but it is too early to talk about it," Cazorla told Sphera Sports. "The beginning is very good. After the first loss the team is performing at a good level. We are consistent, that is what we lacked last season. Furthermore, the incorporation of Mesut Ozil has given us a big leap in quality.

"Hopefully we can now become one of the great teams and that gives us the chance to fight for the title."

The 28-year-old Cazorla is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but is hopeful of returning for the upcoming Champions League match against Napoli.

"I hope to be back shortly. Every day I'm feeling better and I'm working on all ways to reduce my downtime," Cazorla said. "It all depends on how I train and strengthen my ankle. As the days go by I am doing more things and if all goes well I will try to return for the game against Napoli, but that's not certain."