Arsenal Transfer News: Thierry Henry Makes European Vow, Petr Cech Latest

Thierry Henry wants to "help" Arsenal win the Champions League when he retires from football.

The French striker, who netted 228 goals during his two spells with the club, suggests he has unfinished business to complete.

He is "certain" he will remain in football—be it as coach, pundit or official—but also admitted his other goal is to bring the famous trophy to the Emirates, as reported by ESPN.co.uk:

"

 Another thing is certain: I would like to see Arsenal win the Champions League. Whether I see that from afar or up close is not up to me, but it's sure that I would like to help, because it's my club and as a player I wasn't able to bring them the Champions League.

"

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Henry continued by saying: "I'm at home in England. My 'Home Sweet Home' is London. My club is Arsenal. When I left the club, a little part of me died. I cried, and that doesn't happen to me often, even when I was a child."

Such passion has always been obvious. His loan return in 2012 yielded quite a reaction, particularly when the legendary striker netted the winner against Leeds United during his first match back.

Henry played in the Champions League final for Arsenal in 2006, but he was unable to score as the Gunners fell 2-1 to Barcelona. He then joined the Blaugrana in 2007, winning the trophy in 2009 against Manchester United.

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Arsene Wenger's team have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages this season. There were stutters along the way—a defeat to Borussia Dortmund and throwing away a 3-0 lead to draw with Anderlecht being the most prominent—as the side continues to struggle with fluctuating form.

Football writer Jonathan Wilson recently spoke to B/R UK's Ryan Bailey about the lack of responsibility being taken by Arsenal players:

Currently 15 points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League, Arsenal's inability to assert themselves as consistent silverware contenders is worrying.

Defensive reinforcements are needed, highlighted during the recent capitulation against United, as numbers continue to dwindle through injury at the back.

Wenger is preparing an £8 million offer for Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar, according to Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express. Louis van Gaal is also said to be interested in bringing his countryman to Old Trafford.

Vlaar can sign a pre-contract in January due to his contract expiring at the end of the season.

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Reports suggest Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has caught Wenger's eye, per Simon Jones of the Mail Online. Wenger has moved quickly to deny his interest, as jokingly reported by John Cross of the Daily Mirror:

Iker Casillas is an alternative option, according to David Wright of the Daily Express. The Real Madrid stopper has failed to hold down a first-team place over the last couple of seasons and is reportedly "growing increasingly frustrated," per the aforementioned report.

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Wenger will be weighing his options up ahead of the January transfer window. Henry's reappearance in any capacity could galvanise the team, such is his stature at the club. Fans would react joyously to his return, particularly if the manager can snap up some world-class signings alongside him.

Arsenal once again look to be falling short of expectations, with a run at the Premier League and the Champions League titles unlikely.

This has become a harsh reality over the years and needs to be quickly addressed if Wenger is to continue receiving the faith of the board and the supporters.