NEW YORK — On Friday, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said a two-month loan for New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry would "certainly" happen. Looks like he was right.
Later on Friday, the Red Bulls confirmed that the Barclays Premier League club had been in contact about Henry.
"We have been officially approached by Arsenal with the request for a short-term loan of New York's captain Thierry Henry," a club statement said. "An official announcement is pending approval of certain paperwork."
Henry's return to North London would be a sensational move for both the player and the club. The Frenchman is an Arsenal legend, having played for the club for eight years, from 1999-2007, scoring a record 226 goals in all competitions. During his time there, he led them to two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a final berth in the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League. Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal unveiled a statue honoring Henry.
Now, they may have to rewrite the plaque on the statue.
On Friday, Wenger told the media that the idea for the loan was his. Arsenal, who currently sit in fifth place in the league, will be shorthanded in the attack in January, when strikers Gervinho and Marouanne Chamakh will leave for international duty at the African Cup of Nations. Henry, then, will provide support for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, Wenger says.
"To cover for two months is ideal," Wenger said, according to the Mirror. "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."
Reports of a possible loan move first came in the wake of Henry's training with the Gunners for several weeks earlier this month. He reportedly looked sharp and capable of fitting into the side right away.
