Thierry Henry raises serious concerns over Mikel Arteta’s decisions as Arsenal manager

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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has raised concerns over the club’s continued trophy drought under Mikel Arteta, calling on the Gunners to sign a proven striker this summer to end their wait for silverware.

Speaking on Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast, Henry said it was “normal” for fans and pundits to question the lack of major honours in recent years, despite the team’s notable progress. Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the second season in a row and reached their first Champions League semi-final since 2009, yet they remain without a major trophy since winning the FA Cup in Arteta’s debut season in 2020.

“I understand that at the very beginning, you arrive and it’s not your team—you need three or four transfer windows to change everything,” Henry said. “But for the last three years, Arsenal have been in a situation where they should have at least brought one cup in or reached a final.”

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The former striker pointed out that even a struggling Manchester United side has played in five finals over the past five years, while Arsenal haven’t reached one since 2020. “So I get why people ask: ‘Surely you should compete for a trophy?’” he added.

Henry also took aim at Arsenal’s attacking options, insisting the squad still lacks a consistent goal-scorer to lead the line.

“Everyone has been screaming for a No. 9, except when we win,” he said. “When we beat Real Madrid, suddenly we don’t need one. But when we struggle to score, everyone demands a striker. Arsenal need a proper No. 9—consistently.”

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The 1998 World Cup winner also highlighted Arsenal’s ongoing injury woes, particularly hamstring problems that sidelined key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, and Kai Havertz at crucial points in the season.

“How come Arsenal have so many hamstring injuries? For the last three years, it’s gotten worse. Surely, there’s something to address here,” Henry said.

He warned that recruitment alone won’t solve the club’s problems if injury issues persist. “Buying players is one thing, but if they keep getting injured, what’s the point?”

With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal are expected to invest in their squad—especially in attack—with names like Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres being linked. Henry’s remarks echo the sentiments of a fanbase eager to see tangible success after seasons of near-misses.

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