Mesut Ozil: No footballer is worth what Arsenal paid for me

Mesut Ozil believes that football is in danger of losing its' grip on reality as transfer fees continue to increase.

The Germany international became Arsenal's record signing when he joined Arsene Wenger's side from Real Madrid for a fee of £42.5m two years ago.

Such a huge sum has since been eclipsed by the Gunners' rivals on several occasions with Manchester City's £55m purchase of Kevin de Bruyne the most costly transfer this summer.

Gareth Bale's £85.3m move to Real Madrid currently stands as the world record but the total could soon be surpassed as clubs continue to spend extravagantly.

However, Ozil is adamant that no player deserves to fetch a fee over £36m (€50m) and is worried about the damage that inflated price tags could do to the game.

"No individual around the world is worth €50m," he told Express.de.

"That's why in football we have to be careful not to lose our grip on reality. And it is also important that, through the opportunities football offers, we do good and help."

The 26-year-old has divided opinion among fans since his arrival in north London but has made a positive start to the season.

Ozil has started five of Arsenal's six opening Premier League fixtures and is in contention to face Leicester City this weekend.

Claudio Ranieri's men are the only side in England's top tier that currently boast and unbeaten record while victory for Ozil and his teammates would see the Gunners leapfrog their opponents in the table.