Ramsey: Midfielder's Return is 'Like Arsenal Signing a New Player'

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is savouring his senior role in the Gunners' midfield but revealed he is looking forward to the impending return of England international Jack Wilshire.

Wilshire, 19, has been absent all season with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season. But the Arsenal midfielder is set to make his return in February and Ramsey believes his comeback will be the equivalent of the Gunners' signing a new player.

"Jack is a great player for us; he had a really good season last year. It's only a good thing to have competition for places," Ramsey told a webchat for Chinese fans on Arsenal's official Web site.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been beset with injuries this season. In addition to Wilshire and Sagna, the Gunners are missing Andre Santos, Kieran Gibbs, Carl Jenkinson, Johan Djourou and Abou Diaby through injury.

Although Ramsey and Wilshire have rarely featured together at Arsenal, the Welsh midfielder insists the pair can forge a long-term partnership at the heart of the club's midfield for many years to come.

"It's been quite weird because [initially] I was playing, so Jack went out on loan, then I got injured, so Jack played," Ramsey added.

"We haven't really had a chance to play together yet in the league. It will be good to have the competition."

Ramsey has flourished this season, following the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, and the Wales international has praised the understanding that has developed between him and summer signing Mikel Arteta.

"It has definitely grown as the season has gone on," he said. "We have got a better understanding of each other and that is starting to show with the assists and the chances created.

"It is only going to get stronger as the season goes on, too."

Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Robin van Persie believes Thierry Henry has demonstrated great bravery by returning to the club he left in 2007.

The club's record goal scorer marked his return to the Emirates with a smartly taken finish in Monday night's 1-0 victory over Leeds in the FA Cup third round.

And van Persie insists the Frenchman, who will spend the next two months in north London, still has the ability to perform at the highest level.

"Some people might ask why he chose to come back, because he is already a legend here," van Persie told the Telegraph.

"For me, it tells you everything about him; Thierry is coming back because he loves the game.

"If you asked 10 legends whether they would come back, I am not sure they would have been brave enough."