Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is refusing to rule out the prospect of a third spell for Thierry Henry on loan for the second straight season and remains interested in hiring the Gunners’ record scorer when transfer window opens in January.
Wenger earlier this week turned down reports of signing the Frenchman from New York Red Bulls during the Major League Soccer off-season, but he soon appeared open to the prospect of resigning the club legend, who has been training with the Londoners for the last few weeks.
“I’ve not lost interest in him,” Wenger said.
“He’s still coming today to practice with us.”
“We have a close relationship. I think he has had a second spell at the club that was very successful. You have to be cautious that it’s not one time too many.”
“I have not completely (ruled out a second loan spell) but I haven’t spoken about it with him at all.”
Meanwhile, Henry’s MLS franchise New York Red Bulls have apprised that there had been no approach by Arsenal for the striker.
Henry joined his former North London club for two months on loan at the Premier League side midway through last season and scored two goals both of which were game winners.
4 times Premier League Golden Boot winner Thierry Henry, from his debut in 1999, was ever-present in the Gunner’s first team. He established himself as a prolific scorer at Arsenal and was a key part of the sides which won Premier League titles in 2001-2002 and 2003-2004 and a domestic double in 2002. He is all-time leading scorer with for Gunners with 228 goals in 378 appearances in all competitions.
The 35-year-old Henry is currently training with Arsenal during the offseason in Major League Soccer, where he plays for the New York Red Bulls.
Arsenal have been linked with a string of other strikers, among them are Barcelona’s David Villa and Demba Ba of Newcastle.
However, Wenger refused to comment on claims he is interested in Barcelona’s David Villa.
“Any interest we have in any players has to be kept secret at the moment. I cannot come out with any names,” Wenger said.
However, Wenger has directly ruled out a move for Newcastle striker Demba Ba.
“It is not right to speak about him. If you ask ‘do we sign him?’ I say no,” Wenger commented.
While Arsenal, though, are in need of forward reinforcements for the rest of the season, top priority for Wenger remains Theo Walcott, who has refused to sign the contract extension.
Tags: Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, EPL, Gunners, Manager, New York Red Bulls, Premier League, Theo Walcott, Thierry Henry