Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger is adamant that his side can improve on last year's efforts without spending big.

The Gunners finished third last season in the Premier League and were still a chance to win the title with a month remaining but two wins in their last seven matches ended any title hopes.

Wenger has witnessed other teams, notably Manchester City, spend big in an attempt to break into the top four but the French boss still thinks his side can improve.

"I am very confident (we'll do better than last season)," he told Arsenal's official website.

"We know in England that the Premier League is the biggest league in the world and everybody invests a lot of money."

Arsenal has been linked with several big money signings but Wenger insists that character is more important.

"We invest in our work, in our beliefs, in the quality of our behaviour and I am confident that will pay off. We finished third last year and we hope we can improve on that. But the race will be tough," he said.

While Arsenal has made two signings so far - in striker Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny - but they have lost four players including defenders Philippe Senderos and Sol Campbell.

It is believed a defender is at the top of Wenger's wish list with Everton centre-back Phil Jagielka repeatedly linked with a move from Goodison Park.