Arsenal Transfer News: Arsenal Can Cope Without Robin Van Persie, Says Henry

Legendary Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has spoken out about the prospect of current captain Robin van Persie leaving the club this summer—stating that whatever happens, the Gunners will bounce back and can still challenge for the league title.

The French international told Sky Sports (via Goal) that he obviously wanted the Dutchman to remain at the club for the upcoming English Premier League season, but that even if he did leave, the club would be more than capable of playing quality football.

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We hope he stays and that's the way it is. I don't know exactly what is happening, but as an Arsenal fan I want him to stay.

He is still an Arsenal player and the boss [Arsene Wenger] has to deal with it. I just want Arsenal to do well. Robin will do what he will do and we'll see.

When I left, everybody cried, but then the year after that they went on a run of being eight points ahead [on the Premier League table]. Everyone comes and goes.

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While much has been said about whether Van Persie will move on from the Emirates this summer and the latest information is seemingly contradicting itself with every passing day, what is known is that to an extent, Henry is right.

If he does move on, Arsenal has the strike power in Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski to challenge throughout the Premier League. If he remains, that strike power is only increased and strengthened.

Whatever does happen, though, Arsenal will have to deal with the circumstances as they play themselves out. To one extent, it cannot do anything more than what it has already done—emphasize to Van Persie that he is a critical part of the club and that they want him to stay for as long as possible—and now must let the transfer process run its course.

The Gunners well-documented trophy-less run has now reached seven years, perhaps indicating that the London club haven't been fine since Henry left.

Should Van Persie go, breaking that drought would be considered an even tougher feat to achieve, though with the talent and depth already existent in the squad, the Emirates may well be welcoming a trophy in sooner rather than later.

What do you make of Thierry Henry's comments?

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