Arsenal Transfer News: Thierry Henry Loan Is Perfect Move for Gunners

After three years with Barcelona and two with the New York Red Bulls of the MLS, French striker Thierry Henry is all but assured to return to his old stomping grounds as a member of Arsenal.

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Henry will be returning to the Gunners on a two-month loan pending a finalization of the deal. It would be a lie to say that Henry is the same player who racked up five seasons of 24 or more goals for Arsenal, but he won't have to be.

Henry figures to be a backup to Robin van Persie and a late-game substitute who brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and goal-scoring ability to the table. Even at the age of 34, Henry was able to net 14 goals in 26 appearances for New York this past season.

David Hytner of The Guardian reports that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sees no downside in the move. While Wenger is essentially obligated to be optimistic, I think he is absolutely correct in this instance.

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He has the quality and capacity to help us out, (Wenger said). You do not find players on the planet of this quality who are available for two months. Was there a moment in training when I realized he could still do it? Yes, the first day. There are no risks. I met Thierry when he was 17 years old [at Monaco] and I had him here at 22 so I know every movement that he can make. He is a super-intelligent guy and he is a special talent.

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A need for another striker is evident, as both Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho will leave the team briefly for the Africa Cup of Nations. Henry has proven in the past that he is a high-caliber player, and he continues to prove at the professional and international level that he can contribute.

Not only that, but he is an iconic figure who is synonymous with the Gunners. No matter how well or poorly he plays during his tenure, there is unlikely to be any sort of backlash from the fans. No matter what, Henry will have value to Arsenal in one way or another.

If Wenger were expecting Henry to come in and produce at a high level as a starter, then it could be called a questionable move. Seeing as he'll likely be used sparingly and only in situations that benefit him, though, he'll be in a position to succeed.

Everything has been clicking for the red-hot Gunners since some early-season struggles, so I would expect Henry to slide comfortably onto the team without much changing. The best part about the Henry loan is that he's a true professional. Henry is simply going to come to work and do his job every day, making him the perfect fit off the bench for Arsenal.