Saving Arsenal: Why Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira May Be the Answer

Arsenal is struggling.

It is not a secret, and with frustrations growing, Wenger has admitted he must strengthen his current team to win trophies.

Plenty of suggestions are flying around, but all options face two similar problems: Suggested players to add to the team lack experience, and players who are experienced come with hefty price tags.

First, many suggestions have been made about the need to strengthen certain areas of the team, such as central defenders, strikers, defensive midfielders, and goalkeepers.

Yet most suggestions have yielded young, potential talents. However, Arsenal is already full of potential. They need experience and leadership.

Without a few experienced players Arsenal will always be a team teetering on the brim of greatness. While they wait for inexperience to develop, they'll lose crucial players, creating a cycle of waiting on greatness.

The next dilemma is that Wenger is not going to spend €20 million on a player who is not worth €20 million. Sure, there are plenty of world-class players out there, but those players come with oversized price tags and ridiculous wages.

Over-paying for players is something Wenger should not and will not to give into.

So, one has to wonder, "What is left?"

The answer is simple. They need to find sure bargains and go with them.

Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry are two stars, although fading, who are no stranger to Arsenal. Six years ago they led Arsenal to 49 consecutive games unbeaten.

Realistically, Henry and Vieira are not players Wenger should sign with the expectation to play a hand in every game. Henry is not going to score 30 goals in a campaign, and Vieira is not going to have the legs for games every week. But they bring leadership and experience, two aspects this team lacks. 

Fabregas has no doubt taken Arsenal on his back and carried them the length of this Premier League season. However, he is just one player, and without him they lack experience and leadership. 

Arsenal needs players that know how to win. Henry and Vieira already know what it takes to win.

Henry:

With Van Persie constantly injured, Bendtner lacking consistency, Eduardo struggling, and Walcott in need of inspiration, Henry is the player to add not only experience and leadership, but depth. 

Depth is vital for Arsenal. In critical games Arsenal has been forced to turn to Eboue, Vela, and Merida for inspiration. Take nothing away from these players, they are good. Nonetheless, they do not have nearly the quality Henry has. 

If Chamahk is added in, who looks more likely to join Arsenal, losing two strikers isn't too disappointing. 

Despite his age and lack of form, Henry knows the Arsenal way and has a trick or two up his sleeve.

Vieira:

Through the midfield, Song has added the steel that supporters have been asking for. But since his injury, Arsenal has been lacking midfield production. A campaign of 40-plus games takes its toll, and Arsenal crumbled at the most critical time. 

Had Arsenal been able to provide relief for Song and Diaby, their season would have ended differently.

A prime example of an experienced player Arsenal signed is Sol Campbell. He was a player who was brought in knowing he was not going to play much. Fate twisted and turned, and Gallas was injured. Campbell stepped in, used his experience, and has been one of the best players in the final few weeks.

Vieira can provide experience when things start to get shaky. Like he did at Wigan, he can come on and calm the nerves of the team. When players get injured or need a break, he can step in and will not be considered a hole in Arsenal’s squad.

If you look at the top clubs in Europe right now, they all have experienced players on their teams. Lampard (31), Drogba (32), Giggs (36), Scholes (35), Xavi (30), and Puyol (32) are among the few. These teams prove experience is necessary for success. 

Luring Vieira and Henry to Arsenal may not be as difficult as people think. Manchester City look as if they will miss out on Champions League football, which for a top player like Vieira is important. And Arsenal will be in the Champions League. 

Henry would not be a difficult player to resign. He is a player who loves Arsenal. It is no secret. Playing for another Premier League team is not an option for him. An invitation from Wenger may be all Henry needs.