{"id":868367,"date":"2026-04-03T02:27:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T02:27:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/868367\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T02:27:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T02:27:23","slug":"thierry-henry-makes-arsenal-and-rodri-comparison-as-mikel-arteta-sent-clear-message","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/868367\/","title":{"rendered":"Thierry Henry makes Arsenal and Rodri comparison as Mikel Arteta sent clear message"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has had his say on the Gunners as they chase a first Premier League title since they last won it with him in 2004\"Arsenal<\/p>\n

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has had his say on Martin Zubimendi (Image: Christian Liewig, Corbis via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has called on Martin Zubimendi’s detractors to cast their minds back to the doubts surrounding Rodri when he first made his mark in the Premier League<\/a>. The midfielder has faced criticism from certain quarters for a string of underwhelming displays in high-profile fixtures for Mikel Arteta’s side.<\/p>\n

The 27-year-old touched down in north London from Real Sociedad on a five-year contract last summer. The Gunners fended off interest from Real Madrid<\/a> to secure his signature, paying slightly above his \u00a351million release clause to spread the cost of the transfer fee.<\/p>\n

Yet the Spaniard has struggled to convince in an Arsenal<\/a> shirt, prompting widespread debate over whether the club should seek a summer replacement. Newcastle<\/a> United’s Sandro Tonali has emerged amongst the names touted as a potential alternative.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus makes Max Dowman admission after Arsenal record as ‘crazy’ point made<\/a>READ MORE: Arsenal’s summer transfer plan faces huge dilemma highlighted by Ethan Nwaneri<\/a><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, former Gunners frontman Henry has leapt to the defence of the Basque midfielder. Speaking to Betway<\/a>, he urged Zubimendi’s critics to recall the scepticism that initially surrounded Manchester City<\/a> star Rodri following his switch from Atletico Madrid to Pep Guardiola’s side in 2019.<\/p>\n

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!<\/strong> <\/strong>Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

He said: “People like to talk a lot about everything and everyone. First it was Bukayo Saka<\/a>, then [Martin] Odegaard, then [Viktor] Gyokeres, Chelsea<\/a>, Cole Palmer, the referee etc.<\/p>\n

“You can always raise issues. Zubimendi just arrived in the league, and when Rodri first arrived I remember people weren’t sure about him.<\/p>\n

\"Martin<\/p>\n

There have been doubts over Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi(Image: 2026 Marc Atkins)<\/p>\n

“People can say whatever they want, and rightly so. Everything is so analysed by everybody, including myself, but that’s how it is at the top.<\/p>\n

“If you’re not at the top or the bottom, I’m not sure people will talk about you. I’ve been there, so embrace being criticised, and make sure that at the end you can show something that might prove people wrong.”<\/p>\n

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Zubimendi was compelled to pull out of international duty last weekend after suffering a knee problem while on Spain duty. He featured for 13 minutes during La Roja’s friendly encounter with Serbia last Friday, but felt ‘discomfort’ in his knee before departing the squad to prevent any additional damage.<\/p>\n

It remains unknown whether he will be available for Arsenal’s FA Cup<\/a> quarter-final away at Southampton<\/a> on Saturday evening (8pm BST). The Gunners then head to Sporting for the first leg of their Champions League<\/a> quarter-final tie three days afterwards.<\/p>\n

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The 48-page guide to the 2026 Randox Grand National is packed with interviews, features, stats and all you need for the 178th running of the world’s greatest steeplechase – click here to order your copy today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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