Arsenal Sell Three Forwards and Sign Only One Winger, Why Henry Still Believes in Them

Arsenal reached the Champions League final and won the Premier League title last season, but they sold three forwards during this summer's transfer window and signed only one winger. Facing fans' concerns about a lack of star power, former Arsenal great Henry offered a different view: Arsenal's strength lies precisely in continuity.

A reverse approach in the transfer window

Premier League rivals set new records during the summer window. Arsenal also pursued Vinicius of Real Madrid and Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, but ultimately did not sign either player. Instead, the club sold Martinelli, Jesus, and Trossard, while loaning Nwaneri out for one season. The only new signing was 24-year-old winger Christos Tzolis, with a transfer fee of 40 million euros (around 45.8 million US dollars and 34 million pounds).

Last season, Arteta led the team to the Premier League title and into the Champions League final. Many fans hoped the club would add more superstars and begin a period of long-term dominance. However, Henry said in an interview with The Athletic that Arsenal's strength lies in stability.

Henry: Names do not change a club

Henry said that many people now focus only on names and the transfer window, thinking, "Oh my God, this person will change my club." But he believes what can truly change a club is becoming a team, having cohesion, a clear identity, a coach who knows what to do, and 11 players willing to run, regardless of their names.

The value of continuity

Henry turned his attention back to Arsenal. In his view, more than half of the Premier League managers this season are managers who were appointed this year, and player movement between clubs has become increasingly ruthless. In this environment, Arsenal's ability to maintain continuity is itself an advantage.

He also mentioned two major winners in world football over the past two seasons: Spain won the World Cup without a collection of marquee stars, while Paris Saint-Germain conquered Europe for two consecutive years by moving away from indulging stars and instead prioritizing the building of a collective team.

For Arsenal, Henry does not view the lack of major-name signings as a weakness, but rather as a potentially overlooked competitive advantage. His logic is clear: instead of chasing a name that can "change a club," the team itself should become the reason for change.