Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has warned supporters that Arsene Wenger will not spend "irrational" sums of money as he searches for a new striker in the transfer window, despite reports linking the club with a number of high-profile figures.

GettyImagesIvan Gazidis is happy with the financial outlook for the Gunners.

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Wenger has made no secret of the fact that with Robin van Persie a long-term injury victim and Nicklas Bendtner also suffering from fitness problems, a new striker is a priority for a club that is traditionally reluctant to spend substantial funds on incoming players.

Arsenal have used the January transfer window to their advantage on occasions though, with Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Adebayor and Andrei Arshavin all strengthening the squad in mid-season in recent years.

Expectations of a big-name arrival have only grown following recent claims that both Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain and Lazio's Mauro Zarate, valued at £31 million and £36 million respectively, are both on Wenger's wish-list.

But Gazidis expects Wenger to retain his prudent approach, despite the burning necessity for Arsenal to strengthen their attacking options as they seek to maintain their Premier League title challenge.

"We won't be making moves to respond to short-term pressure and we won't spend irrational amounts of money," Gazidis told Sky Sports News. "But if we can find the right player that can add real quality to the squad, of course we'll make the right move.

"We're in a good position, but the thing to always bear in mind is spending money by giving it to other clubs for the talent they have, is not necessarily the answer to all issues."

Gazidis also denied speculation linking captain Cesc Fabregas with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid, blaming the renewed transfer talk on upcoming elections at the Catalan club. Wenger is also expected to sign a new contract soon in a "very amicable, quick agreement."