Addressing Tony Adams' criticism about Arsenal signing Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta told Astro SuperSport: "Well, first of all, I think you have to set some very clear principles that you want to achieve and the processes that are going to be in place to try to minimise the risk every time we get a player.
"Because it’s like a bet. There are a lot of things that we cannot control and a lot of things that we don’t know how they are going to act.
"But if we have the right processes, and we have the right principles to apply for every single player that walks in through our door to our club, then I think we are in a much better place to make a lot of good decisions."
The Arsenal boss continued: "When I said to you about the squad balance, it is something that is related to recruitment. First of all the squad has to look in good balance, in good shape, in good health.
"And then you can talk about taking the squad into a different level, improving the recruitment, improving the quality of the squad in the individual and specific positions that we want.
"But as well, part of that recruitment – and it’s huge at this club – is our youth."
Arteta went on to add: "And I am so proud as well with the work that is being done throughout the club, all the coaches at all the stages, to have the quality and the talent that we have at the club.
"So we have to create a space within our squad to give the opportunity to start to fit our first team as well with young players. And that is the key for our future."
Odegaard has impressed since joining on loan from Real Madrid in January but there is a growing concern about the Norwegian taking away minutes from Emile Smith Rowe and other youngsters.
