Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal must show Thierry Henry they intend to be contenders in both the Premiership and in Europe if they want the France striker to remain at the Emirates Stadium.
Henry has been linked with a move away from north London and his international
team-mate believes the Gunners must demonstrate their ability to compete if they
want to persuade the 29-year-old to stay.
Vieira told BBC Five Live: 'Thierry wants Arsenal to show they want to stay
at the top of English football and European football.
'If they bring in two or three big names it will show they want to compete
against the best.
'If that is not the case Thierry will have to ask himself what is the best
for him and in the end decide what is best.
'Of course all of Arsenal will hope he will stay at Arsenal but the basic
decision he will make himself.'
Vieira left Arsenal for Juventus in 2005 before moving on to Inter Milan with
whom he won last year's Scudetto and he believes manager Arsene Wenger could
also be set for a departure from the Gunners following the shock exit of
vice-chairman David Dein.
Dein made a sudden departure in April because of 'irreconcilable
differences' with the rest of the Gunners board meaning Wenger lost his closest
ally at the club.
Vieira believes this could herald the Frenchman's departure, saying: 'I think
it would be difficult to stay with what he had done with David Dein.
'Without David Dein I don't think it would be the same for him.
'(Because) they started together and it will be strange for him to stay but
you never know.'
Vieira's sentiments were echoed by Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o who claims he
expects Henry to join him at the Nou Camp next season.
The Cameroon striker told The Times: 'He is a great mate of mine and we will
play all together. There is room for everybody.'
