As Cabaye went on strike, the Gunners made the signing of the summer.
Let's be honest - our Frenchman is not in the same ball-park as Ozil - and on last season's performances I don't even think he was as good as James Perch!
Midfielder Mathieu Flamini believes club-record signing Ozil could prove to be the missing ingredient which helps end Arsenal's long quest for silverware.
The German playmaker was instrumental in the Gunners' 3-1 victory over Stoke at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, having a hand in all three goals as Arsene Wenger's men climbed to the top of the table, ahead of north London rivals Tottenham on goal difference.
Flamini - who was part of the Arsenal team which reached the 2006 Champions League final and rejoined the Gunners earlier in the summer after being released by AC Milan - is in no doubt of what an impact a player of such calibre can add to a squad already full of star potential.
Mathieu Flamini: "Eight years without winning anything is not easy for anyone, for the fans, for the players, for the club or the coach, but the quality is here.
"Maybe it was missing just a few things.
"This year it was important that nobody left and then we got new players with a lot of quality and what is most important is the team spirit.
"We knew Mesut was a big player - he proved it at Madrid.
"For us, it is a great boost because he is a great player and knows how to make the difference.
"He has great spirit, he is working hard for the team and can make the difference at any moment."