Arsenal Transfer News: Thierry Henry Confirms 'Wish' to Return to Gunners

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has confirmed he would like to return to the north London club in the near future after his recent departure from the New York Red Bulls.

Steve Brenner of the Mail Online writes the 37-year-old former France international will take the "next few weeks" to decide his future but has indicated that a reunion with Arsene Wenger is high on his agenda:

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It is all a bit blurry right now. We will see what will happen soon. Going back to Arsenal? That is the wish. They say Christmas is coming soon, it is a wish but it is not something which will happen straight away.

Everyone knows how much I love the club, my feelings about them. It is a wish right now, I only announced I was leaving New York on Monday so I am not trying to get out of it but it has only been a day.

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The noises made by the mercurial forward will please Gunners fans as he remains hugely popular with the supporter base. He is the embodiment of Arsenal's last great team, and Wenger would surely hope his star quality and experience rubs off on his squad—should he rejoin. 

Henry's spell in American soccer was hugely successful, with the player proving there was life after Barcelona and the Premier League.

He hit 51 goals in his 122 MLS matches, per Brenner, and represented his franchise consistently well after his signing in 2010.

Brenner also reports French newspaper L'Equipe has started a public campaign for Henry to represent France one final time, in a final farewell in March against Brazil.

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Henry has also hinted about his desire to coach, saying how much he enjoys helping others and seeing them develop, per Brenner. He claimed this will be one of his abiding memories from his time in New York:

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There is nothing better than trying to help a team-mate mentally and make them a better player and it [is] those moments which I will cherish. That is the mentality that I had when I came here—to try and make people better.

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This statement lends weight to the notion that we will see Henry on the touchline for Arsenal soon. Wenger has always had a strong relationship with his former player, and no one will be surprised to see Henry arrive on the manager's coaching staff.

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Former Gunner John Hartson believes it would be a "masterstroke" to bring Henry back to the club. Speaking to the BBC, the pundit says there is real value in bringing Henry back to his spiritual home:

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Thierry is an inspirational figure who would be a role model for the younger players at the club. I think it would be a masterstroke if Arsene Wenger got him back. He is a legend at the club, their record goalscorer and has a wonderful relationship with Wenger.

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Speculation has also linked Henry with a short-term move to Paris Saint-Germain, as reported by the Standard. However, PSG boss Laurent Blanc has distanced himself from the rumours but confirmed he will be surprised to see Henry retire:

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Could he play six months at PSG like [David] Beckham? I’ve not thought about that. He could still play, he loves the game so much. I don’t know if he will retire or not. It wouldn’t surprise me if he continued to play. He’s had a great career and is a great player.

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Henry has been a magnificent servant to football, and his return to Arsenal is written in the stars. However, it will not be a shock to see the player represent the Gunners on the pitch in the new year as he prepares for life in the game as a coach and motivational leader.

The English game was poorer after Henry opted to fulfil his desire to join Barca, and his charisma and personality will be welcomed back on English shores if he decides to return to the Premier League.

Wenger could use an influence like Henry in his camp. Arsenal are short of natural leaders and his presence will have a positive influence on team.

Henry would help Arsenal's younger players focus on the tasks at hand and give them a barometer as to the standards they all need to reach. 

And in future, there is the chance Henry may succeed Wenger as manager—once the French boss hangs up his jacket for the last time.