Arsenal Transfer News: Pedro Bid Reported, Latest Thierry Henry Return Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly "lining up" a £26 million bid for Barcelona's Pedro, according to David Wright of the Daily Express.

The Spanish winger continues to struggle with overcoming Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez for a place in Luis Enrique's first team. Wright believes Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is "readying" a bid which could halt Manchester United's and Liverpool's chances of bringing him to the Premier League.

Pedro's progress has predictably slowed since Suarez's arrival at the Camp Nou. He has scored two goals and provided one assist in 14 La Liga appearances, just seven of which have been starts, per WhoScored.com. He contributed assists against Ajax and APOEL in the Champions League, but he is unlikely to hold down a regular spot in Enrique's starting lineup.

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This was the situation faced by Alexis Sanchez prior to his summer move to the Emirates. Sanchez's quality continues to shine through at Arsenal, where he remains the club's top scorer for the season. Pedro could use a similar boost and is likely to find greater sharpness if he's afforded a consistent run of starts.

It's questionable where Wenger would use the 27-year-old, though. Sanchez regularly starts on the wing, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to be developing on the other side. Either could add energy through the centre to accommodate Pedro, but this would likely mean leaving Olivier Giroud or Danny Welbeck on the bench.

Many Arsenal fans would also question dropping such a hefty sum on a luxury player when other areas need addressing.

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Should Wenger land Pedro and fail to find a defensive midfielder or strengthen the defence, for example, recent unrest around his position would likely increase.

Football pundit Janusz Michallik recently detailed exactly whom Arsenal should sign to B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

Pedro previously hinted his future could be destined away from Catalonia, as reported by Wright: "I don't know what's going to happen yet, I don't know anything. I'm calm though. When a decision has to be made, I'll speak with the club and we'll see what happens. Whatever comes in the future, will come."

Wenger remains relaxed about the prospect of Thierry Henry rejoining the club in some form. Although this is unlikely to happen soon—the retiring French striker recently inked a deal to join the Sky Sports punditry team—his former manager believes Arsenal fans haven't seen the last of their favourite.

In fact, Wenger suggests a future scouting role could suit Henry, as reported by Ian Winrow of the Daily Star: "As well as his extraordinary passion for football, he always showed an incredible insight in his judgment of players. He has a real ability to unearth talent. Thierry is blessed with a strong personality and he could get angry, but once he had refound his calm, he was always very clear-headed."

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Wenger went on to say, "He will end up at Arsenal one day. Coach? Manager? Director? I don't know."

Although Henry's immediate movements keep him away from the Emirates Stadium, his eventual reappearance is inevitable.

The 37-year-old's experience of developing his game from leggy winger to prolific striker could play an important role somewhere down the line. Henry and Wenger worked hard to best utilise his talent, something they could easily do for others.

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Arsenal currently trail the Champions League places by two points. Their upcoming fixture with Liverpool is a must-win for two managers who have overseen disappointing starts to the Premier League season. This is destined to be a tricky trip. Liverpool created a plethora of chances during their loss to United and will be itching to up their ruthlessness in front of goal.

Wenger's plans for January could be severely impacted by the result. While Pedro's arrival is an enticing idea in principle, the reality remains that Arsenal's funds are better spent elsewhere.