Gunners Legend Questions Arteta’s Transfer Strategy as Trophy Drought Continues
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has launched a pointed critique of Mikel Arteta’s failure to sign a proven center-forward, declaring the manager has “had time to get a nine” during his five-and-a-half year tenure. The Gunners’ all-time top scorer voiced his frustrations on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast following another trophyless season where his former club finished as Premier League runners-up to Liverpool.
“When we beat Real Madrid in pre-season, suddenly no one wanted a striker. But you always need a proper number nine,” Henry emphasized, referencing Arsenal’s heavy reliance on midfielder-turned-forward Kai Havertz. The French legend specifically highlighted Manchester City export Julián Álvarez as his ideal solution: “He’s played Copa América, Olympics, never complains – just delivers. Did you see his latest free-kick? This is the mentality Arsenal need.”
While acknowledging Arteta’s progress in rebuilding the squad, the 1998 World Cup winner delivered a sobering comparison: “Manchester United – who everyone laughs at – reached five finals in five years. In Arsenal’s ‘building’ phase, where are the finals?” His comments come as Arsenal face mounting competition for targets like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko also on their radar.
Henry’s intervention amplifies growing pressure on Arteta after Crystal Palace and Tottenham lifted domestic and European trophies this season. While backing the Spaniard’s project, the club legend’s message was clear – Arsenal’s striker shortage can no longer be ignored if they’re to convert progress into silverware. As the summer window approaches, the spotlight intensifies on whether Arsenal’s hierarchy will finally deliver the clinical finisher their greatest ever goalscorer believes they desperately need.
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