Thierry Henry has backed Arsene Wenger's belief that Arsenal do not need to sign Dimitri Payet, and believes Alex Iwobi can be just as good as the West Ham rebel.
The France playmaker is refusing to play for the Hammers as he looks to push through a move to former club Marseille after turning down a huge, £500,000-a-week offer from China.
Wenger said he is a fan of Payet but he does not need to buy another attacking midfielder; and Iwobi has impressed in an advanced role for the north London outfit this season.
And Arsenal icon Henry has heaped praise on the 20-year-old Nigeria international, believing he can go on to star for the Emirates club.
Henry told Sky Sports: 'I don't think Arsenal need a player like Payet at the moment. 'They have Iwobi who could be like Payet in a few years' time, he has been good for Arsenal playing through the middle.
'Iwobi needs games to fulfil his potential and signing a player like Payet could limit his playing time, and it could spell doom for his development.'
Henry's comments comes after Wenger said Arsenal will not make a move for wantaway West Ham star Payet and are unlikely to do any transfer business this month.
'I don't need Payet because we have so many creative players,' said Wenger during his pre-match press conference on Thursday. 'I rate Payet, of course.
We have many players offensively that can play in this position. You're interested in the quality of the player, but there has to be a need too.
Iwobi has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.
I would still get Payet if he was available
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