Thomas Vermaelen has paid tribute to Mesut Ozil's seamless integration into the Arsenal fold - and is looking forward to hearing Arsenal fans make him feel even more welcome on Sunday.
The Gunners' captain has only been working with the German midfielder for a little over a week, but believes his early impact suggests that plenty of good times lie ahead.
"I must say that he's slotted in brilliantly given that he has only just arrived," Vermaelen told the official matchday programme.
"With the midfielders we have and the combinations we can make, passing and moving, his addition gives us something to really look forward to"
Thomas Vermaelen
"He's hardly had any time to get used to us but has had a big impact already - which shows you that he is just a world-class player. He was superb against Sunderland especially in the first half, and you can see that he suits our style of play really well.
"With the midfielders we have and the combinations we can make, passing and moving, his addition gives us something to really look forward to.
"The whole team is excited to see him here - it will be a thrill to play and train with him - and I know our fans can't wait to see him at Emirates this weekend. I expect he is in for a very loud reception!"
Vermaelen also welcomed Italy international goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, who he expects to add valuable quality and depth to the squad's shot-stopping ranks.
"I've only trained with him a few times so far but he seems like a nice, confident guy and we know that Italy has a tradition of producing fine goalkeepers," said the captain.
"He is going to add good competition in that position, and it's another area of the squad in which we have real depth."
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