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Arsenal don't need to buy any more players, says Alan Smith

Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez shone in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Manchester United
Image: Arsenal have Mesut Ozil (left) and Alexis Sanchez to return from injury

Alan Smith says Arsenal do not need to make any new signings during the January transfer window because the current squad is capable of winning the Premier League.

The Gunners brought in Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny for £5m from Basel last week and Smith would be content if that proved Arsene Wenger's sole purchase.

Former Arsenal and England striker Smith believes the return of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck from injury will mean Arsenal have a squad good enough to end a 12-year wait for the Premier League title.

Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ, Smith said: "Danny Welbeck is apparently only three weeks away and that will help them if he comes back in the kind of form he is capable of.

Any manager would love to get in a world-class player to give the dressing room a lift, but it's so difficult and I don't think it's going to happen. I think they've got enough.
Alan Smith

"Any manager would love to get in a world-class player to give the dressing room a lift, but it's so difficult and I don't think it's going to happen.

"I think they've got enough. They didn't have Ozil or Sanchez at Stoke and they were able to cope with that, and they're due back soon so they're not far off full strength."

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Arsene Wenger was left pleased with Arsenal's spirit during their 0-0 draw away to Stoke

Smith feels the key development in the Arsenal squad this season has not been the addition of an influential player, but rather an increase in the resilience the team has displayed.

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He admits the Gunners perhaps threw away victory in the 3-3 draw at Liverpool, but was pleased with the determination they showed to procure a 0-0 draw at Stoke.

Alan Smith was pleased with the resilience Arsenal displayed in their 0-0 draw at Stoke City on Sunday
Image: Alan Smith was impressed with the resilience Arsenal displayed in their 0-0 draw at Stoke City on Sunday

"I think those are two good draws at Liverpool and Stoke," he said. "I know they could have won it easily at Anfield but in years gone by, they would have lost that game at Stoke.

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"They didn't used to be able to grind out those draws and wins in the difficult games. When they're not at the top of the game and not playing that lovely football that we're used to, they can get results.

"That's the stuff of champions and you've got to have that if you're going to win the league. That resilience will please Arsene Wenger."

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