Henry edges closer to sensational Arsenal return
Published 23:00 28/12/11 By John Cross
Thierry Henry is on red alert for a sensational return to Arsenal to stand in for Robin van Persie.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger does not believe van Persie can start two games in three days against QPR on Saturday and at Fulham 48 hours later.
Wenger may even rest the Dutchman against QPR – which could deny the Arsenal skipper his final shot at breaking Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 36 goals in a calendar year.
There are concerns van Persie looked tired in the draw with Wolves and Wenger does not want his captain to be left vulnerable to injury.
That has only heightened Arsenal’s determination to re-sign Henry, 34, on a short-term loan from New York Red Bulls for six weeks as cover for their star striker. The deal looks set to happen as soon as the transfer window opens on January 1.
Henry had talks with Arsenal yesterday and is due to step up his training with the club today to get him ready to make a sensational return. Arsenal’s record goalscorer will follow Sol Campbell and Jens Lehmann in rejoining the club in recent seasons.
Arsenal will have to pay his £70,000-a-week wages, cover his insurance and get the deal signed off by New York Red Bulls. But negotiations are well advanced and Wenger is confident it will happen.
Henry could even be ready to play against Leeds in the FA Cup on January 9.
Mertesacker: Arsenal should sign Henry AND Podolski
EXCLUSIVE: Greece is the word for Arsenal's Rosicky
Wenger dismisses signing Gourcuff in January
