The men Henry alludes to when he demands four Arsenal signings
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As Jose Mourinho stuck the knife in after Arsenal’s joyless run over Chelsea continued, a Gunners icon called for drastic action in the transfer market to end their long wait for both a win in those tussles and a Premier League crown.
Thierry Henry used the Blues, who splashed the cash last summer, as the example Arsene Wenger must follow if he is to turn Arsenal into a championship force again, suggesting four players of “top quality” are required by the 66/1 title outsiders.
“They need that spine,” he said.
“They need a goalkeeper, they still need a centre-back, they still need a holding midfielder and, I’m afraid, they need a top, top-quality striker in order to win this league again.”
The question is, who are these four game-changing stars that will propel the Emirates club back to glory? The answers are below:
Goalkeeper – Salvatore Sirigu, PSG
There is talk that Hugo Lloris could switch to the Ligue 1 giants when Spurs fail to land a Champions League spot this year, meaning the Italian could be forced out of the French capital.
With 11 clean sheets to his name this season, 12 international caps and two league titles on his CV since arriving at the Parc des Princes, the underrated stopper would certainly be an upgrade on both of Arsenal’s current options.
Centre back – Toby Alderweireld, Atletico Madrid
A successful season spent on loan at Southampton, the joint-best defence in the league, proves the Belgian is capable of adding quality to a top-flight challenger.
The Saints have an option to buy Alderweireld this summer, but there is no guarantee he will agree to a move. Comments about teaming up with compatriot Jan Vertonghen at Spurs prove as much, while Arsenal are a step up again.
Holding midfielder – Sven Bender, Borussia Dortmund
A difficult season at the Westfalenstadion has seen the 26-year-old lose his manager and the guarantee of Champions League football, while Dortmund’s growing reputation as a selling club plays nicely into the Gunners’ hands.
Striker – Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon
Only two men have managed more league goals across the continent’s most revered divisions than the 23-year-old’s 26 this season and they have been battling for Ballon d’Or trophies for over half a decade.
Young, quick and increasingly prolific, Lacazette could well be Wenger’s next Henry.
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