Arsenal Transfer News: Thierry Henry Officially Signs, Could Play in FA Cup

The Guardian reports that Arsenal have officially completed a short-term loan deal granting the return of club legend Thierry Henry.

The French forward could even be in line to make an immediate return to first team action in Monday's FA Cup encounter against Leeds United.

A dispute over Henry's return date to parent club, the New York Red Bulls, had been holding the deal up, but Arsenal have reached an agreement with the MLS side and will now be able to call upon their all-time leading goal scorer for the next two months.

It's an interesting piece of business, but it's still difficult not to be left feeling a little underwhelmed by what is essentially a stopgap measure from Wenger.

On the surface, adding an accomplished veteran presence like Henry is a shrewd move.  With Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, depth for the forward line is threadbare.

An intelligent and technically gifted striker like Henry can provide insurance all across the front three. 

Henry will inspire more confidence from the team and the fans if he is called upon to deputise for club captain Robin van Persie.

There is still a legitimate argument to be made that Arsenal need a more permanent solution for a forward line that has struggled to come by goals in recent games.

In terms of squad building, bringing in a 34-year-old for around two months seems to be nothing more than papering over the cracks.

That's not tot say that Henry is not still capable of contributing his own brand of flair to Arsenal's attacking play.

The crafty Frenchman has already demonstrated how his intelligence and creative instincts now dictate his game, replacing the lightning pace that once defined him in his younger days.

When Henry returned to North London for Emirates Cup action in the summer, he showed that he still has enough guile to impact a game.

Henry slid an inch perfect pass in between a bewildered Arsenal defense to set up a decisive equaliser for the Red Bulls.

Similar contributions could prove to be invaluable in Arsenal's pursuit of the top four during the next two months.

If nothing else, Arsenal fans will be hoping that Henry can do enough to preserve his legacy at the club and still be remembered most for his glory days.