Friday 9 September 2016 12:47, UK
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry can understand why Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is being talked of as a potential successor to Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.
Reports in the national press have linked Howe with a move to the Gunners once Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season, calls time on his career at the Emirates Stadium - although Howe described the link as "meaningless" at his press conference on Thursday.
Henry, speaking on Sky Sports News HQ, thinks the Englishman's philosophy would suit Arsenal.
"When Bournemouth came up last year, I wanted to know if they were going to play in the same way [as they did in the Championship]," Henry said.
"We've seen a lot of teams who have come up try and play in the same way they did in the Championship, like Bournemouth did.
"When he [Howe] said I'd rather die than change my philosophy, I thought that spoke volumes about the man. We all know how difficult it is to stay in this league, but the guy has stayed true to his word and kept that team in the Premier League his way.
"And you can understand the talk about Arsenal, because he's going to fit the bill with his philosophy, identity and the way he puts his team out there. But I also liked his answer this week when he said I'm here to win games and who knows what will happen in the future."
Wenger was asked about the speculation linking Howe to his job and the Frenchman wished his successor, whoever it might be, all the best.
He said: "I don't know who will take my job one day. These are questions that are impossible to answer. I wish the best to the guy that comes after me."
And Henry agreed with his former boss, stating it would be a difficult task for whoever the next manager at the Emirates Stadium will be.
"I agree with Arsene," Henry added. "I wish all the best to the boss that comes after Arsene because it won't be an easy task."
Meanwhile, Howe is expected to hand Jack Wilshere his Bournemouth debut against West Brom on Saturday after the midfielder moved from Arsenal to the Vitality Stadium on a season-long loan deal on Deadline Day.
And while Henry accepts Wilshere had to go and play, he thought a move to Italy could have improved the England international's game.
"It's about time for Jack to have a full season," Henry told SSNHQ. "We all know what's happened to him with regards to his injuries, and he's been very unfortunate with that.
"He could have stayed at Arsenal and fought for his place but maybe he couldn't see it happening. Jack found himself in a situation where he had to play.
"We've all been in this kind of position where you are not sure of playing but he opted to go away. I heard there could have been a move to Italy but maybe he wanted to stay close to his family and London.
"I just think a move abroad can open your eyes to another game which you can bring back to Arsenal."
