Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger fears they do not have cash power to compete at the top end of the transfer market.
But he now claims he is more likely to spend the club's money trying to keep his present side together.
Wenger said: "I brought my cheque-book but looking at the prices I've realised it isn't big enough.
"I've not been surprised by the quality on show here. There is a fantastic young generation of players coming through. But I will use my cheque-book first to keep the players I already have."
