Arsenal Transfer News: Lucas Silva Hijack Bid Eyed, Latest on Thierry Henry

Arsenal are out to usurp the bids of their European peers in a move for Cruzeiro midfield talent Lucas Silva, while talk of Thierry Henry's Gunners return has been quietened this week.

Real Madrid have looked like the favourites to land Silva in recent days, but The Sun (h/t the Daily Mirror's Aaron Flanagan) reports Arsenal have had scouts watching the South American star.

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It's suggested the midfield anchor will court a fee in the region of £12 million, with Arsene Wenger's side in need of a younger battling talent in central midfield.

Jack Wilshere's recent ankle injury has once again highlighted the Englishman cannot be relied upon to maintain fitness for entire campaigns. Sky Sports' South American expert, Paulo Freitas, says Silva is likely to move during the January transfer window:

The 21-year-old has won huge plaudits of late, helping Cruzeiro win back-to-back Brasileiro Serie A titles in 2013 and 2014, as well as featuring for the Brazil under-20 side that won this summer's Toulon Tournament.

Inside La Liga confirmed Los Merengues' interest in the youngster, a move which could rely largely upon Sami Khedira's future at the Bernabeu:

Khedira has been considered as a target for the Gunners, but high wage demands work against the prospect of his free signing, despite his contract expiring next summer.

Instead, Wenger may look to sign Silva, who would be more readily available this winter and wouldn't carry as hefty a salary if he were to complete a move to the Emirates.

Moving to the sidelines, the north Londoners may be forced to wait for the return of a figure they're all too familiar with after it was revealed Henry could begin his coaching career at Bordeaux.

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The New York Red Bulls striker played what many speculate could be his final game on Saturday, dropping out of the MLS playoffs following an aggregate defeat to the New England Revolution.

"If he wants to come offer a hand with the attackers, he is very welcome," Bordeaux boss Willy Sagnol is quoted saying by the Mirror's Neil McLeman. "With his goals and his behaviour, he was a pro from the beginning to end."

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Henry's connection with Arsenal is a lasting one, but he may favour the chance to link up with former France and Monaco team-mate Sagnol in order to gain experience.

Even in defeat, Henry showed class as he edged toward retirement, tweeting his congratulations for New England upon presumably bowing out of Major League Soccer:

It seems only a matter of time before the 37-year-old does reunite with Arsenal on more permanent terms, having spent a month at his former stomping ground during a 2012 loan spell.

Speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t Goal.com's Harry Sherlock) last week, the French forward spared no emotion in describing his affection for the club he once reigned at for eight years:

"

They adopted me and I am at home there. My home sweet home is London. My club is Arsenal. When I put on the red and white jersey, it has the same effect that the France jersey has. It's like when Clark Kent becomes Superman. I become someone different, someone stronger. When I left the club, a part of me died. I cried and that is not something I've ever done often, even as a kid.

"

Many Arsenal fans will find it bittersweet to see Henry hang up his boots, as is expected. On one hand, it signals the end for a player who they hold so dearly. On the other, it brings what seems like an inevitable return closer within sight.

Bordeaux will undoubtedly do all they can to ensure his coaching path begins in his native Ligue 1, however, in a move that could ultimately work in both Henry and Arsenal's favour.