Henry deal a certainty, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are close to a deal to bring Thierry Henry back to the club on loan from New York Red Bulls.

The French forward has been training with his former club during the MLS off-season and now looks set to contribute to the first team.

If Henry does return he will be available for Premier League games against Manchester United and Tottenham as well as Arsenal’s Champions League clash with AC Milan.

Wenger told reporters: “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.”

“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.”

Wenger believes Henry still has enough quality to make an impact in the Premier League and is excited about the prospect of him and captain Robin van Persie playing together.

“He is still class and has quality. He still has pace,” Wenger continued. “When Robin and Thierry play together we will do very well.”

Arsenal have brought former players back to the club in times of emergency in recent years with Sol Campbell and Jens Lehmann re-signing to play and Wenger suggested this trend may continue.

“It shows that Arsenal is always special to players, such as Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann and now Thierry.”

“We are not looking for permanent players unless we lose players, as we have a big squad.”

Wenger also confirmed that the deal was not pressured by Henry and that he was fully behind it.

“It was my idea. He was happy about it, but it was my idea.”

“No-one expects him to be what he was 10 years ago. There’s no special pressure, Robin remains our main striker.”