Audio By Carbonatix
Manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed Thierry Henry will sign a two-month deal to return to Arsenal if insurance agreements can be worked out with New York Red Bulls.
Henry has been training with Arsenal in the MLS off-season and is not required to return to the United States until March.
Wenger said: "For two months it certainly will happen. I don't take care of the agreement and the insurance and that is not completed. At the moment we cannot announce anything because all the paperwork is not done."
He added: "To cover for two months is ideal. He has the experience and the quality. He knows the club and can help the players on and off the pitch. He has exceptional talent and is a very intelligent man, it can only be positive."
With forwards Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh heading to the African Nations Cup next month, Wenger believes leading scorer Robin van Persie requires some support.
Henry could feature in seven Premier League games, including key encounters against Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as FA Cup ties and the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 clash against AC Milan.
If agreement is reached with Red Bulls he could start his second Arsenal spell in the FA Cup third-round tie against Leeds on January 9 after impressing Wenger with his sharpness during training.
Henry, meanwhile, has clearly felt at home back in London and was moved to tears when a statue of him was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium this month, along with those of fellow Gunners legends Tony Adams and Herbert Chapman.
Wenger added: "He is very happy and very modest about it. It was my idea and he was happy with the idea."
Henry scored 226 times in 370 appearances for the club before moving to Barcelona in June 2007.
And former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn believes the return of Henry to the Emirates could provide a huge lift to the club.
Winterburn told Sky Sports News: "I hope everything works out as everyone is expecting. It's terrific news for supporters of Arsenal."
He added: "Thierry Henry is a winner. If he can make that rub off on players around him it can only be good for them. I hope everything fits into place."
Despite his enthusiasm to see the Frenchman back in Arsenal colours, Winterburn admitted Henry's return would be something of a gamble.
He said: "If it works out well it will be a terrific move by Arsene Wenger, but on the flipside if it doesn't work out well people will say 'why didn't he go out and get a world-class current striker?'
"Will he play in that central role and maybe Robin van Persie move out to the left? Van Persie is the top man at Arsenal at this time. There are a lot of questions to answer but Arsenal would be delighted to have him back for this short time."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Today’s Front pages: Monday, December 23, 2025
17 minutes -
GRIDCo begins tie-in and test runs of new AKSA Ahwomaso Power Plant
1 hour -
GSS data shows sharp district disparities in excessive alcohol consumption among men Â
2 hours -
Don’t promote crypto without licence or risk sanctions – SEC warns celebrities
2 hours -
EU plans checks against cheap plastic imports, FT says
2 hours -
Atlantic Lithium submits revised mining lease to Parliament
2 hours -
Mahama receives CRC’s report, implementation committee starts work next yearÂ
3 hours -
BoG, SEC move to regulate crypto as Parliament passes Virtual Assets Law
3 hours -
Electroland’s Akyɛdeɛ Kɛseɛ promo rewards over 10,000 customers nationwide
3 hours -
ElectroChem names Francis Buamah as new CEO to drive next phase of growth
4 hours -
448 conflict hotspots identified – Interior Minister
4 hours -
EC bosses face one-term rule as CRC pushes firewall against political influence
4 hours -
Supreme Court numbers under the knife as Constitution Review Committee proposes cap
4 hours -
Okada legal, but roads not ready – Transport Minister warns
5 hours -
Gov’t to roll out dedicated traffic signs for motor riders
5 hours
