Thierry Henry admits managing Arsenal would be a 'dream'

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has spoken positively about the possibility of taking the manager's job at the Emirates Stadium and confessed that taking over from Arsene Wenger's would be a "dream".

Former striker Henry enjoys legendary status among Arsenal supporters, having cemented his position ahead of Ian Wright and Cliff Bastin as the club's all-time leading goalscorer with a quite superb record of 228 strikes in 377 first-team matches over two spells in North London.

The 36-year-old retired from professional football in late 2014 at the end of a four-year stint with Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls but has remained in the game since as television pundit. He has also begun coaching in the Gunners' youth set-up with a view to earning his badges.

And while it may be premature to even begin discussing the likelihood of Henry one day managing Arsenal, it's a prospect that excites him.

"I don't know what Arsene wants to do and how long he wants to stay," he was quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror, in an interview taken from this Saturday's Jonathan Ross Show, on which Henry appears as a guest.

"But I just want to be equipped ... to be in the position, maybe one day to be a manager. Being the manager of Arsenal FC would be a dream. I need to learn first. That is the most important thing.

"I could not say 'no' to Arsenal. So I would say 'yes'. It should be great."

Wenger's position at the helm has been fiercely debated in recent years, with Arsenal fans traditionally split over whether or not it is time for the experienced Frenchman to relinquish control of a position he has held since 1996.

Tuesday's chastening 3-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League last 16 first-leg tie was one of the worst suffered by the club in Europe in recent years.

The defeat left Wenger's tactically naïve side needing to perform a minor miracle in the return fixture against opponents highly-regarded for their impressive defensive nous.

If Arsenal were indeed to exit the competition at the Stade Louis II on 17 March, then it would be the fifth consecutive season they have fallen at this stage.

Wenger's inability to escape such a damaging and frustrating cycle has only given his detractors more ammunition for their claims that a fresh managerial approach is needed to help revitalise their fortunes on all fronts.

Arsenal, who are currently third in the Premier League, return to domestic action this weekend with a home match against Everton.