Arsene Wenger Confirms Thierry Henry Arsenal Return

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Thierry Henry is on the verge of re-joining the club on a two-month loan deal.

Rumours have been circulating in recent days that the 34-year-old French striker has been offered a short-term contract and although the deal is not yet officially complete, Wenger confirmed everything is in place with only insurance to be sorted out.

Henry is not due to return to the New York Red Bulls until March, and the Gunners will be without Marouanne Chamakh and Gervinho for at least a month due to the Africa Cup Of Nations, so a two-month deal suits both parties.

“For two months it certainly will happen. I don’t take care of the agreement and the insurance and that is not completed.

“It was my idea. He was happy about it, but it was my idea,” Wenger explained.

“We are doing it because Gervinho and Chamakh go to the African Nations Cup and to cover for two-months is ideal.

“He is still class and has quality. He still has pace. It can only be positive, because he has exceptional talent.

“He is experienced, he is quality, and can help the players on and off the pitch.

“The deal is not completed, and at the moment we can’t announce anything. It is about insurance and I don’t take care of that but we have to respect all the agreements we need to find with MLS.

“But it shows that Arsenal is always special to players, such as Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann and now Thierry.”

Wenger did however concede that Henry may need a couple of weeks training before he’s ready for first team action:

“I think he needs two good weeks work, he is here to help out no one expects him to be what he was 10 years ago. There’s no special pressure,” he said.

“We are concious that he is 34-years-old and he will be just enough for us. He is here to help, when we need him he will play.”