Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will not be forced into a panic buy during the January transfer window.
The Gunners are on the hunt for a new forward this month after Bukayo Saka tore his hamstring in December.
Saka has since undergone surgery and he is expected to be out of action for at least the next two months.
Arteta has revealed Arsenal are “open” to doing business, but they will not be rushed into making a signing.
“If we panic it means we are not prepared, and a big thing is preparation,” he said. “When you are well prepared, your decision will be better, very well processed.
“Then we will decide if we want to sign a player, is he performing: yes or no? That can be a good decision or a bad decision after that.
“The preparation is done, for sure. We are ready if we have to do something, but we know as well we have an excellent squad. With players available, we can compete with any team.”
Arsenal are navigating this transfer window without their former sporting director Edu, who resigned in November.
Jason Ayto, who was Edu’s No2, has stepped up to be the club’s interim sporting director and is leading their transfer business this month.
“It’s different,” said Arteta. “I am so used to doing things with Edu, but Jason was a big part of that team.
“He is in full charge right now and we have great communication, talking every day and we are prepared.
“The good thing about that is that neither Jason, nor I, nor Richard [Garlick], nor Tim [Lewis], nor the owners has to convince any players to come to Arsenal - because of what Arsenal is and how Arsenal is perceived, and that is a massive bonus.”
