Thierry Henry heaps praise on ‘maverick’ Arsenal transfer target amid winger links

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Arsenal will be in the market for a winger in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners could be light on wide options moving forward, with players in Mikel Arteta’s ensemble in this department linked with moves away.

Both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, while Raheem Sterling is expected to return to Chelsea when his loan expires at the end of the season.

Regardless of these three players’ futures, Arsenal need someone who can make the left side their own and complement Bukayo Saka on the right.

• READ MORE: Thierry Henry once claimed that he only ‘fell in love with Arsenal’ because of £2.5m striker

Thierry Henry praises Arsenal transfer target Antoine Semenyo

Nico Williams is understood to be the primary winger target, while Kingsley Coman has emerged as an option for Arsenal.

However, Antoine Semenyo continues to be linked to Arsenal, and he continues to light up the English top flight for Bournemouth.

Netting the winner in the Cherries’ victory over Fulham on Monday night, Semenyo added his eighth goal of this season to his Premier League tally.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was on Sky Sports’ broadcast of the clash between the two Europe-chasing sides, and the Frenchman praised the Ghanaian’s performance.

Interviewing the winger, he said: “You were cooking.”

“Yeah, you know me I have to cook. If I’m not cooking then I ain’t working,” Semenyo replied.

“You were cooking some fufu, some jollof rice,” Henry responded.

“Ah, come on now,” the Bournemouth man laughed.

While not a clear message to Arteta suggesting Arsenal should sign Semenyo, Henry clearly endorses the 25-year-old.

• READ MORE: Thierry Henry reveals why ‘special’ Arsenal goal was his favourite, it was significant for Arsene Wenger

Antoine Semenyo’s Statistics 2024/25

Described as a ‘maverick’ by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Semenyo certainly has the quality to fit into Arsenal’s system perfectly.

Exceptionally hard-working and an effective presser, Semenyo’s combative running style and eagerness to get shots off quickly are traits an often sterile Arsenal attack could do with.

The former Bristol City man takes 3.81 shots per 90 minutes while accumulating 0.3 expected goals per match, indicating that he is indeed a goal threat and that this is sustainable.

While not boasting the most impressive creative numbers, Semenyo is a high-volume dribbler and shot-taker, two attributes currently lacking on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s attack.

Through these qualities, he’d no doubt improve the functionality of the Gunners’ offensive unit, making him a smart acquisition if he can be secured at a reasonable price.