By support

14th Aug, 2016 | 5:35pm

Thierry Henry names the Arsenal player who can solve forward issues

By Dominic Toner

Thierry Henry has identified Alexis Sanchez as the answer to Arsenal’s forward search.

Sanchez predominately plays as a winger but has been utilised as a central striker for his international side Chile in the past.

Sanchez, 27, helped Chile to win the Copa America this summer as they defeated Argentina in the final on penalties for the second consecutive year.

Arsenal have been in the market for several strikers in the transfer window including Alexandre Lacazette and Jamie Vardy but the Gunners legend believes they already have the solution in their squad.

“I just think since we couldn’t get Vardy or another striker at the minute he (Sanchez) can be the answer,” Henry said to Sky Sports’ Super Sunday programme. “Not only him alone as a centre forward but also playing behind Giroud I think that can be a great partnership.

“We saw what Giroud can do when he was playing with Antoine Griezmann at the Euros and we know what Sanchez can do when he plays with Chile through the middle. I think it will be better for him and he can save his energy.”

Arsene Wenger named Sanchez as his number nine for the Premier League opener against Liverpool and left young forward Chuba Akpom on the bench.

The Chilean was a crucial part of Arsene Wenger’s side in the 2105-16 campaign, scoring 17 goals and setting up 11 assists in his 41 appearances across all competitions.

The former Barcelona star has made 93 appearances for the Gunners since he joined in 2014.

With Olivier Giroud expected to return to full fitness in the next weeks following his extended break after the Euros, Wenger may be keen to experiment with a partnership between the Frenchman and Sanchez.

Wenger could listen to the advice of his former player Henry, who scored 226 goals in 368 matches for the north-London side.

In other Arsenal team news, the club’s supporters have reacted on Twitter as their new captain is named.