Arsenal Targets ‘The Next Thierry Henry’ as Potential Superstar Signing for Next Summer: Report
Arsenal has initiated efforts to recruit a player referred to as “the next Thierry Henry,” as Mikel Arteta intensifies his commitment to enhancing the club’s attacking options.
Over the past two seasons, the Gunners have shattered their Premier League goalscoring record for a single season. Last year’s total of 91 surpassed the previous year’s 88 – a significant increase compared to Arsenal’s three Premier League title seasons, which yielded totals of 68 (1997/98), 79 (2001/02), and 73 (2003/04).
Yet, some critics argue that the North London team still lacks a decisive touch in front of the goal – and it appears that Arteta concurs, as the club prepares for a nine-figure signing next summer.
Arsenal initiates discussions for ‘the next Thierry Henry’
Since Thierry Henry’s exit in 2007 to Barcelona, no player has succeeded him at the Emirates Stadium.
The Frenchman, listed as no.29 in eScored’s ranking of the greatest footballers of all time and first in our compilation of the greatest-ever Premier League players, found the net 228 times for Arsenal – and now, a potential successor may be on the horizon for N5.
Sports Mole has reported today that Arsenal has made contact with the representatives of Rafael Leao regarding a potential transfer in 2025.
The Portugal international has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry for his agile dribbling, physical presence, and ability to cut in from the left – but has faced challenges at Milan under new coach Paolo Fonseca.
Earlier this year, the Italian publication Calciomercato reported discussions between the player and Milan to emphasize his value to the club’s future, after Fonseca sidelined him entirely, offering only vague comments about his decision, stating, “I believe in teamwork.”
Arsenal’s outreach to the player’s agents, who rank no.3 in eScored’s current list of the top left-wingers, indicates that the Gunners are looking for a versatile player capable of operating both on the left flank and as a forward.
According to eScored, Leao should be a primary target for Arsenal next summer due to his compelling physicality and versatility, enabling him to function as a replacement for Kai Havertz or Gabriel Martinelli, or play alongside them both.
A potential obstacle could be the transfer fee—his work off the ball might not align with Arteta’s preferences. Direct moves toward securing a deal remain uncertain, as it’s common for clubs to explore multiple targets in this method without finalizing any agreements.
Leao is valued at €75 million, per Transfermarkt. Arsenal will face Fulham this weekend as Premier League action resumes.
