The lack of 'Arsenal DNA' within the current first-team setup has often raised questions and concerns amongst supporters. Some don't believe enough former players are involved, with the argument that they can further improve the development and atmosphere around the squad.
Fans were excited by the presence of Robert Pires and Thierry Henry at London Colney in recent years, which led to calls for them to be offered permanent coaching roles at the club. Former manager Arsene Wenger has also been at the centre of these discussions, with current boss Mikel Arteta admitting he'd like to see the Frenchman return in some capacity.
"We would be delighted to have him much closer," Arteta said. "I think he would have a great time just seeing the environment that he can create around him when he's around this place because of the respect, admiration and the love that everybody at the club has for what he's done, as well as for what he represents as a person."
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reaps the benefits after enacting drastic Arsene Wenger transformation at Arsenal
Saturday's match against Manchester United saw several Gunners legends return to the Emirates albeit briefly, with Thierry Henry, Jens Lehmann, Gilberto Silva and Dennis Bergkamp all in attendance. But it was the non-flying dutchman's presence that was felt the most after an inspiring talk with current stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Speaking to the youngsters pitchside prior to Arsenal's 3-1 win, Bergkamp revealed why he was such a big fan of theirs and explained how they can replicate the success of former players.
"We learned a lot from the English guys. They know what English football means. They know what Arsenal means. And you guys know that as well," he said as Henry also listened in. "So if you bring that to the team, fantastic. You know that aggression, that passion, that’s what I like about you. You can tell you are English guys."
It was a moment that clearly meant so much to Saka and Smith Rowe, with both of them taking in every word the former striker had to say as they nodded their heads. It would have undoubtedly given the duo confidence and motivation before such a big Premier League clash.
Bergkamp, who has already coached after being an assistant manager to Frank De Boer at Ajax between 2011 and 2017, showcased valuable experience which could make him a perfect figure to have around London Colney today. When previously speaking to FourFourTwo, he admitted that a return to Arsenal would be 'ideal' and didn't rule out a role at the club in the future.
"At the moment there hasn’t been any contact about that, but as soon as I make my decision, let’s see what happens," said Bergkamp. "I’m really interested in Mikel Arteta and how he’s doing at Arsenal, as there have been signs that he wants to change their philosophy. It looked good in the few matches I watched earlier in the year. But my future, who knows? In football, one day is not the same as the other."
