Manager Arsene Wenger does not believe that Arsenal will suffer if they do not sign a defender before Monday’s transfer deadline.
It is no secret that a new centre-back is wanted at Emirates Stadium and there were reports of a shock loan move for Tottenham’s Jonathan Woodgate.
Thomas Vermaelen has not played since September due to injury, while Sebastien Squillaci is also sidelined to leave Arsenal short of options.
But Wenger is famous for his hatred of panic buying and the Frenchman will not abandon the frugal approach he has adopted with chairman Peter Hill-Wood and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Huddersfield, when Arsenal will continue a four-front quest to end an almost six-year silverware drought, he told his club’s official website: “I would not see it as a missed opportunity.
“I focus on my squad and I feel we have 22, 23 outfield players who can cope with what we need.
“Vermaelen looks to be making good progress, Squillaci is back available, so that was the only position we were short, at centre-backs.
“If I don’t make any signings it is because I have not identified a special player who could strengthen our squad at the moment.”
