Thierry Henry claims Arsenal star signed by Arsene Wenger for £500,000 is underrated, ‘What a player…’

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Arsenal have enjoyed some outstanding strikers over the years.

From the likes of Ian Wright to Robin Van Persie, through to modern greats such as Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, the Gunners have never lacked in the centre forward position – making this season even more frustrating for supporters.

Andrea Berta is in talks with Benjamin Sesko as the club look to rectify their striker shortcomings this summer transfer window, Viktor Gyokeres is also being considered.

However, Thierry Henry believes that one striker brought to North London by Arsene Wenger was one of the club’s most underrated signings.

READ MORE: Worrying Arsenal injury trend spotted by Thierry Henry as icon questions Mikel Arteta’s training

Thierry Henry claims Nicolas Anelka was underrated at Arsenal

Wenger made some exceptional signings at Arsenal but Henry believes the most underrated from his reign was French forward Nicolas Anelka.

Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Henry was full of praise for his former international teammate.

Henry stated: “What a player he was (Anelka). People do sleep sometimes on how great Nicolas Anelka was.”

Anelka joined Arsenal from PSG for just £500k before eventually moving to Real Madrid for £22.3m in 1999.

The profit from Anelka’s sale helped the Gunners build their new training complex at London Colney but they could not help but feel it was one that got away after nurturing Anelka’s incredible talents.

Arsene Wenger regretted selling Nicolas Anelka

Wenger expressed his regret at selling Anelka and even claimed the sale hurt more than Cesc Fabregas’s departure to Barcelona.

The former Arsenal manager explained at a charity event back in 2021 alongside David Dein that Anelka could have been ‘special’ had he stayed at the club.

Wenger explained: “My biggest regret and shame is that [Nicolas] Anelka left. He could have been special, instead, he played for 13 clubs.”

Dennis Bergkamp loved Anelka and even named him as his favourite strike partner during his time at the Gunners.

It proved that Wenger had an incredible eye for talent and perhaps if Anelka had more faith in his future at Arsenal, he may have achieved even more greatness in his career.