Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has backed speculation that Thierry Henry could be making a return to the club.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger recently admitted that he would be interested in signing the New York Red Bulls striker on a loan basis.

Parlour believes that the addition of Henry could give the club's younger players a boost.

"He can do it and people look up to him, because there are quite a few youngsters down there as well - Ramsey, Wilshere, Coquelin," Parlour told talkSPORT.

"It is one of those situations that, for me, he would be great. He would be a great substitution, with 20 minutes to go put Thierry on and if they are lacking anywhere it is up front.

"If Robin Van Persie gets injured there's not a lot of back up. Chamakh hasn't really done it, Park is still adapting to the Premier League. So if they do need players it is full-backs and strikers."

Henry scored 226 goals during his previous spell at the Emirates Stadium.