Arsene Wenger – On Whether He Might Re-Sign Henry & Pires

Although the summer transfer window is officially closed that doesn’t stop clubs working hard behind the scenes to prepare for future signings, so we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest gossip. Today, Arsene Wenger responds to questions over whether he might re-sign Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he has no intention of re-signing Thierry Henry or Robert Pires and the duo are simply training with the club to keep fit.

The Gunners legends were once again photographed training with the first team at London Colney this morning fuelling speculation that Wenger could be set to offer one, or both, short-term deals to help aid Arsenal’s title push.

However, speaking before Tuesday nights crucial Champions League clash with Marseille, Wenger has told Arsenal.com that while the duo are welcome to practice with the team to maintain their fitness, he has no intention of bringing them back on a more permanent basis.

“They like to come back to Arsenal, to practise,” the manager said. “When they can join in, they do. They integrate well with the spirit of the team. Nothing more than that!

“They have no real target to bring something, they just want to enjoy themselves and keep their fitness. Usually they don’t practise with the first team because they come in and work on fitness.

“It is a little bit less competitive, [but] when we have some room we invite them to play with us but usually they train separately to us.”

Henry is currently looking to keep fit during the MLS off-season and has taken the opportunity to come back to Arsenal and train with the club. There has also been speculation that he may return to north London as a coach one day, but Wenger feels that is still some way off happening as Henry is still enjoying his time as a player.

Wenger continued:

“No, at the moment he is invited just to practise when he wants,” he said. “We have a big staff, a very competent one, and we have the right number to support the team to achieve the targets.

“Thierry is a player, one day certainly it will be different, but at the moment no.”

Henry returned to Arsenal on a short-term loan in 2012 and was a huge success, coming off the bench to score the winner against Leeds United in the FA Cup as well as grabbing a last minute winner against Sunderland in the league.

Another loan spell two years down the line appears unlikely though, despite our obvious lack of options up front.

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