Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has claimed that the team desperately needs a holding midfielder if they want to challenge for silverware.

The Gunners have experienced an indifferent first half of the season, though they remain in the chase for Champions League qualification.

Amid constant questions over the mettle in the squad, Henry believes that Arsene Wenger should buy an experienced midfielder during the January transfer window.

"It looks now like Arsenal are a team trying to finish fourth and when you think about Arsenal, that's not what you expect. You want to see them trying to win the title," the Frenchman told Sky Sports News. "The fans should expect more and the players, too. I'm sure Arsene himself wants more.

"They're not far off but they're missing a big piece; they're missing a Patrick Vieira, a Gilberto Silva. Those guys would have done anything to protect the back four and allow the forwards to play well. Do Arsenal have that? I don't think so."

Arsenal have won four of their last six games in the Premier League.