Arsene Wenger has claimed Arsenal can win the title this season without entering the transfer market for a new striker in January.
The Gunners sit top of the table after 11 games but a lack of depth in the final third could halt a sustained push for the Premier League crown.
Olivier Giroud has spearheaded the Arsenal front line for the majority of the season, but the France international has not added to his tally of eight league goals since October.
However, Wenger believes his current squad have the quality to continue their challenge without acquiring new blood in the final third.
The 64-year-old insists their push for a first title since 2004 will be bolstered internally by crucial players returning from injury.
“The return of Walcott and Podolski make it less critical,” he said.
“We can win the league without buying another striker. I am not against buying in January, but it is always difficult in the middle of the season.
“Podolski is not back but he shouldn't be too far now. They make it less critical to sign a striker. Also, Theo [Walcott] gives us qualities that other players haven't got. It's a different option.
“Theo also gives us an opportunity to be a mobile striker. If we lose Giroud today we have nobody with body weight up front.
“Look, I am not against it [a January signing]. I don't say I never make a mistake. I certainly made some. Sometimes it is because we didn't sign the right player.”
