Arsenal star explains Arteta's 'picky' transfer strategy ahead of January

Arsenal star Mohamed Elneny has explained the club's "picky" transfer strategy under Mikel Arteta that has fuelled their return to the top of England and European football. The Spaniard had to endure through some tough times as head coach in the early season, hopeful of implementing the types of values that were present in his time as a player.

There were signs of that two seasons ago as the Gunners made a push for a top four finish, but narrowly missed out to north London rivals Tottenham. A summer of spending meant yet another show of faith in the manager and with it came his process finally exploding into life.

A quick start to last campaign slowly became a sustainable title push, leading the way for the majority of the year on their charge. Much like the season prior though, they would be pipped late on as Manchester City hit their usual top gear and went on to lift the trophy once again.

Arsenal have had no plans of going away any time soon though, spending a further £200million in the summer window just passed, with a start that has kept them in touch with those at the top. The January transfer window isn't too far away now and could offer a chance to strengthen once more for the second half of the season.

Arteta will be keen to avoid making any mistakes, knowing that a signing that doesn't work out could well ruin the balance of everything he has built thus far. That will link back to what star midfielder Elneny has said about the growth of the squad in his time there and the strategy going forwards.

Speaking to the official Arsenal website, the Egyptian international said: "I think when they choose who comes to Arsenal they are really picky. There are players who can come here, and players who can’t. The club think about what it means for players to come to Arsenal, and when those players come here they are one of us, straight away.

“I don’t know how they do it. We have new players, they come from different teams, different countries, and straight away they are with us. And I bet that if you talk to them they will say that straight away they feel like they are part of this family. I remember how I was welcomed when I came here and it’s still the same – we welcome them. They have been here maybe one week and they feel like they have been here years.”

There will be many hopes for a repeat of those recent signings if they are to be made in the January transfer window, with a huge title race on the cards.