Share

'Lack of transfer activity helped Arsenal'

Cape Town - Arsenal's lack of transfer business in recent years has helped the squad function as a unit because the atmosphere in the dressing-room has not been disrupted by too many changes, left back Nacho Monreal has said.

The addition of Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny last month meant Arsenal have signed 13 players who have gone on to be involved in the first-team set-up since 2013.

During this period Arsenal have won back-to-back FA Cups, and qualified for the Champions League twice, while clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United, who have brought in more players but not collected any major silverware.

"In the last few years we have played with the same players. Every summer, we have signed one, two or a maximum of three players. The team is practically the same group so that is very important," Monreal told the club's website.

"It is very important the atmosphere in the dressing room. It is mandatory to have a really good relationship with your teammates, we are like a unit."

The North London club's Premier League title credentials were questioned when manager Arsene Wenger failed to bring in a striker during the close season, but they are third in the table, two points behind leaders Leicester City.

Arsenal will hope to carry the momentum from Sunday's last-gasp 2-1 league win over Claudio Ranieri's men when they host second-tier Hull City in the FA Cup on Saturday and Champions League holders Barcelona in the round of 16 on February 23.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE