Van Persie is enjoying a superb run of form for the Gunners after inspiring them to a draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane, scoring a late double against Sparta Prague in the Champions League and hitting a stunning opening goal in their home win over Sunderland.

But, despite Van Persie’s rise to prominence in the English game, Henry says he cannot be compared with Bergkamp.

Henry said: “I don’t think there can be another Dennis Bergkamp again. I don’t even want to go there. Dennis is Dennis, full stop.

“Robin can have his own way. Robin likes to dribble and go his own way whereas Dennis will kill a defence with a pass. It is difficult to compare.”

However, Henry is full of admiration for the way van Persie has applied himself at Highbury this season.

“Robin is really confident,” said Henry.

“Without going too far he has everything a footballer would dream to have. Robin can play anywhere he wants. I am not joking, it is up to him and his desire.

“I think the goals he scored away at Sunderland in the Carling Cup gave him a lot of confidence. One thing I like about him at the moment is that he wants to go and score.

“That is the most important thing for a striker. He just wants to go behind the defence and get into the box. The first goal at home to Sunderland was amazing. Sol put in an incredible ball with his left foot and Robin made a run behind their defence.

“He has done that a lot and it is a sign he just wants to put the ball in the back of the net. When someone has that attitude then there is no stopping them.”

Henry enjoyed an fine partnership with Bergkamp and the early suggestions are that he could repeat the success with Van Persie.

“He loves to play football so do I,” said Henry. “He likes to try stuff, so do I. Sometimes it is just right there. When two people are of the same vision you can produce some good football.”