It's about how much you believe that was the deciding factor.
I'd say the fact that most clubs didn't often look overseas for young players back then was more of a differential, which gave Wenger some breathing space. And then you still have to have an eye for talent, for instance Henry and Petit worked with Wenger before hand and in completely different positions.
Anyway, all managers have connections that they try to exploit. Michu wouldn't be a Swansea player if it wasn't for Laudrup's contacts. Benitez replaced most of the Liverpool staff and youth team with Spanish members by the time he'd left. Mourinho brought a few of his Portuguese boys along when he joined Chelsea
