Arsenal captain William Gallas maintains his squad have enough strength in depth to cover the loss of Kolo Toure during the African Nations Cup — and sees no reason why the club have to spend big during the transfer window.

The Gunners are set to lose centre-back Toure, winger Emmanuel Eboue and utility man Alex Song next week for what could be more than a month away.

Gallas, however, firmly believes in the likes of Swiss internationals Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou, recently recalled from a loan spell at Birmingham, have what it takes to step up into the side.

"I don't really expect us to sign anyone. I think everything is fine," the Arsenal captain declared.

"Perhaps if one player does leave then we have to buy, but if that is not the case then I think everything is okay as we are."

Manager Arsene Wenger has long insisted he has no intentions of moving into the transfer market this month.

However, the futures of veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, Brazilian Gilberto and unsettled midfielder Lassana Diarra remain uncertain.

Gallas, 30, accepts players can become frustrated at a perceived lack of regular opportunities, but feels that is all part and parcel of life at a leading European club.

"We are top of the league and you would not understand why anyone would want to leave — but sometimes when you are at a big club, it is not easy because you don't play many games," said the former Chelsea defender.

"It is then you have to be patient though because the season is very long and you could end up playing in the last 15 games."

Wenger firmly believes this squad are made of the right ingredients to mount a sustained title charge over the next five months.

It is a view shared by his captain. Gallas declared: "We are very focused about what we have to do, but it is not finished.

"Now we have to be very strong because Manchester United and Chelsea will want to come back at us.

"It will not be easy for any of us.

With the transfer window now open for business, speculation is rife there will be some movement either way at Emirates Stadium, despite Wenger's insistence on the contrary.

With midfielder Mathieu Flamini out of contract at the end of the season and as yet no formal agreement on a new deal, reports in Italy suggest Juventus are ready to come in for the France international.

Should Lehmann eventually leave, with his old club Borussia Dortmund said to be leading the chase, then Wenger could well opt to add experienced cover in the form of Deportivo La Coruna keeper Fabricio or Kiko Casillas at Espanyol.

Meanwhile, young Mexican forward Carlos Vela could be set to join up with the Arsenal squad following a successful loan spell in Spain at Osasuna, as a UK work permit is understood to have now been obtained.