How a pair of trolley-dash signings are now shaping Arsenal's future

Mertesacker on Arteta: His standards send a message to the rest of the organisation, that we have to be spot-on in developing young individuals who can cope with challenges and the pressure. I like that

GERMAN EFFICIENCY: Arsenal's Academy Director Mertesacker

ARSENE WENGER was mocked after signing five players in a 48-hour transfer deadline flurry for Arsenal, in August 2011. The spending seemed more like a chaotic trolley dash than long-term husbandry for a squad that had not long shipped eight goals against Manchester United. Korean Park Chu-young, Brazilian defender Andre Santos and Israeli stalwart Yossi Benayoun all came and went pretty much without trace. 

A decade or so later and perhaps it was a sliding doors moment that is making Arsenal a true force once again. Two of those apparently inconsequential signings, Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker, are now the driving forces behind the revival in London N5.