Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal must show Thierry Henry they intend to be contenders in both the Premiership and in Europe if they want the France striker to remain at the Emirates Stadium.
Henry has been linked with a move away from north London and his international team-mate believes the Gunners must demonstrate their ability to compete if they want to persuade the 29-year-old to stay.
Vieira told BBC Five Live: "Thierry wants Arsenal to show they want to stay at the top of English football and European football.
"If they bring in two or three big names it will show they want to compete against the best.
"If that is not the case Thierry will have to ask himself what is the best for him and in the end decide what is best.
"Of course all of Arsenal will hope he will stay at Arsenal but the basic decision he will make himself."
Vieira left Arsenal for Juventus in 2005 before moving on to Inter Milan with whom he won last year's Scudetto and he believes manager Arsene Wenger could also be set for a departure from the Gunners following the shock exit of vice-chairman David Dein.
Dein made a sudden departure in April because of "irreconcilable differences" with the rest of the Gunners board meaning Wenger lost his closest ally at the club.
Vieira believes this could herald the Frenchman's departure, saying: "I think it would be difficult to stay with what he had done with David Dein.
"Without David Dein I don't think it would be the same for him.
"(Because) they started together and it will be strange for him to stay but you never know."
Vieira's sentiments were echoed by Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o who claims he expects Henry to join him at the Nou Camp next season.
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