Arsenal Rumours: Gunners May Look to Extend Thierry Henry's Loan Deal

Arsenal might look to prolong club legend Thierry Henry's loan deal from the New York Red Bulls which expires in just two weeks time, according to The Associated Press.

Under the loan deal, Henry only has two matches—a league battle with Sunderland and a Champions League tie against AC Milan—before he will leave the club again and go back to America.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has not completely ruled out Henry staying at the Emirates beyond his current loan deal.

"

Wenger said the Gunners had not discussed any extension with the Red Bulls but acknowledged it was possible.

"I haven't looked at it," Wenger said Saturday. "Maybe the maximum possibility we have is two more weeks."

"

Henry has scored twice for the Gunners since making his triumphant return, and has shown the ability to be effective in the Premier League despite being 34 years old.

Arsenal did not find a striker in the January transfer window to help Dutch star Robin van Persie carry the goal-scoring burden for the club, and even though Henry is not the world-class player he used to be, on the Gunners' current roster he is one of the better attacking players.

The emergence of young forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been huge for Arsenal over the past few weeks, and if Henry stays at the Emirates beyond his loan deal, the Frenchman could really mentor Oxlade-Chamberlain and help him develop as a top fight player.

Even if Henry leaves after the Champions League match against Milan, the energy he infused into the club with his return will have been well worth it.

"

"How much, you can never give a percentage, but he was very positive and everyone takes his advice on board because he has delivered here and they want to deliver too," Wenger said. "He is respected and he was very positive."

"He is not going away yet, normally he stays until after the Milan game," he added. "So we go to Sunderland now and then we go to Milan. That is two massive games."

"

Arsenal are in a real battle to finish ahead of Chelsea for the fourth and final Champions League spot for next season, and Henry will be able to help the club reach this goal if he remains in England beyond his current loan deal.

Follow @NicholasGoss35