Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry
Arsenal's Thierry Henry (L) controls the ball as David Bentley of Blackburn Rovers looks on during their FA Cup fifth round soccer match at the Emirates Stadium in London February 17, 2007. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh REUTERS

Tony Cascarino believes Thierry Henry would be well advised to avoid the reported advances of Arsene Wenger by rejecting a possible return to Arsenal.

The Arsenal legend is strongly rumoured to be under consideration for a possible return to the Emirates in the New Year as Arsene Wenger bids to bring in cover for the talismanic Robin Van Persie as well as compensate for the imminent departures of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh, who are both involved in the African Nations Cup.

Despite Henry's envious record at Arsenal, where he remains the club's all-time leading goal scorer with 226 goals, Cascarino believes the 34-year-old would be foolish to return to the north London Premier League club because he could sully his stunning record and reputation at the Emirates.

The former Republic of Ireland international believes Henry has lost the necessary yard of pace that is required in the Premier League and suggests the Frenchman will always play second best to Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie.

"I can't see how or why Thierry Henry would return to Arsenal." Cascarino told The Times.

"The only man whose position he could play is Robin van Persie - and that's not going to happen.

"Plus, Henry's lost his pace, which is why Arsène Wenger let him go in the first place. They say you shouldn't go back and it's good advice for Henry."

Henry left Arsenal in June 2007 following a stunning career in north London. France's most prolific scorer won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during the eight years he spent at Arsenal and is widely considered one of the division's greatest ever strikers.

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