Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the club must continue to remain prudent in the transfer market and focus on developing youth.
Wenger said that the financial restrictions are not as tight, which meant that they could pay a club-record fee for Mesut Ozil in the summer, but that developing talent at the club must remain the long-term goal.
"We were restricted financially and had to be strict [with spending]," BBC Sport quotes Wenger as saying. "We came out of that and now have huge ambition to win league this season.
"The future of Arsenal will rely on the quality of work we do inside, to scout and develop players. We are respected all over world for values; we're not artificial.
"We're top, and in a very strong position, but the end of November is a much clearer indication of where everyone lies. I am confident that at end of May we'll be happy."
Arsenal are currently ahead of Liverpool on goal difference at the top of the Premier League.
