Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

News

HomeNewsArsenalEnglish Premier League

Arsenal now have chance to sign the next Thierry Henry, it’s time to activate his release clause

Lucas Arnold

Tue 6 February 2024 18:15, UK

Ahead of this summer, it seems as if Mikel Arteta will have a considerable warchest to improve his Arsenal squad once again.

The January transfer window was just as quiet as expected, with Lino Sousa’s departure to Ast♔on Villa perhaps proving the ౠonly surprising move.

Of course, that frugal month will pay dividends for Arteta in the long run, and he should be able to add a one or two superstars akin to Declan Rice’s calibre this summer.

And whilst Ivan Toney looks a very st🐈raightforward and sensible signing – could Arsenal show more ambition?

Victor Osimhen is though♏t to have a higher ceiling by some, but would represent more of a riꦆsk.

However, if it’s a genuine superstar that Arsenal are in the market for this summer, then Rafael Leao’s apparent availability should provoke a reaction.

According to , 24-year-old Leao feels as if he’s reached the end of✅ his cycle at AC Milan after some steꩲllar seasons.

And with the forward reportedly having a active for a small window this summer, Arteta should be ready to moveꦅ.

Thierry Henry comparisons aren’t often accurate these days, but Leao’s pr💛ofile a📖nd attributes really do remind of the Arsenal legend. 

Rafael Leao could prove transformative for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta this summer

Although the same could be said for Toney or Osimhen to a lesser deg✃ree, Leao is the player to take Arsenal’s projec𓄧t to the next level.

Whilst he’s not a central str🌟iker right now, he could easily follow a similar trajectory to Henry ♑if required.

Or if not, Leao would provide so many options for Arteta on the wing, the Arsenal manager☂ would be spoilt for choices, much like Pep Guardiola has been at Manchester City over the years.

The fee mentioned would take a co෴nsiderable chunk of out Arsenal’s budget, but it’s well known that players could also be on th🐠e move.

If the likes of Aaron Ramsdale or Eddie Nketiah are sold, there does⛄n’t appear to be anything stopping Arsenal from adding a midfielder 🌜and a defender after Leao.

Fans shouldn’t be disappointed if Ton💝ey or Osimhen arrive at Arsenal this summer, both would be excellent under Arteta, but Leao could be the most ambitious option of them all.

That being said, Arsenal are still being linked with two of the fastest players in the Premier League right now.