Arsene Wenger has admitted he is considering re-signing Gunners legend Thierry Henry again in January as the 35-year-old is still ‘sharp’.
Arsenal’s record goalscorer featured earlier this year after spending the MLS ‘off-season’ with the Gunners training, and when attacking duo Gervinho and Chamakh left for the African’s Nations Cup in January and early February, Wenger was able to call upon Henry as part of the successful short-term arrangement.
The move turned out to be a masterstroke, as the France World Cup winner netted important goals against Leeds in the FA Cup and the winner in the final minutes against Sunderland. Wenger has suggested he may well be tempted to invite Henry back for a third spell with the club after last season’s impact.
Wenger told Arsenal’s official website:
He has been practising with us. Will I sign him again in January? I don’t know. I don’t rule it out. He is sharp.
Last year I did it because we lost Gervinho. It was a good connection. This year we lose Gervinho again as they are playing in the Africa Cup of Nations two years in a row.
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So we will be confronted with a shortage. Particularly if Chamakh should go. I cannot stand in his way. Then we will be short.
You know what he [Henry] gives you. He gives you hope, especially when he comes on. That is the most important thing
He is a communicator. An extrovert. Very intelligent. He can only give good advice to players because he was in their position when he arrived here.
This team has exceptionally good character. There are not many flashy boys. What is the most important thing it is not whether you are an extrovert but what it means to you to do well, your job. Your will to win.
If he does indeed return he would once again be a useful asset. Giroud will remain the number one centre forward, but Henry would allow his compatriot to have a rest when required and provide more options from the bench for Wenger.
While I would love Henry to return I can’t help but feel that January should be the time to invest in a top striker such as one with a contract expiring next summer eg. Huntelaar or Llorente, and bolster the squad for the long term. Even if Chamakh and Gervinho didn’t have the ANC, Wenger should be reinforcing the attack regardless.
But in terms of the Frenchman, bring him back. It will not cost Arsenal much and his experience is invaluable to have in the dressing room and on the pitch when/if he is needed.
What are your thoughts on Henry? Would you like to see him return once again in January to bolster the squad and score some more goals? He’s certainly in top condition for his age – recently nominated for the MLS MVP award after stellar season with New York Red Bulls – and he could help influence his fellow Frenchman Giroud and help to develop him even further. Feel free to comment below or in allArsenal’s forum under Henry’s thread.
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