London: Three weeks after being immortalised in a bronze statue outside Arsenal's stadium, Thierry Henry is on the verge of sealing an emotional return to the Premier League club that made him a global superstar.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday that the former France captain will sign for the team in a two-month loan deal once an insurance agreement is reached with the New York Red Bulls, Henry's club in Major League Soccer.
Wenger is turning to Henry, who scored a club-record 226 goals in eight years at Arsenal between 1999 and 2007, to fill the gap in his strikeforce left by the impending departure of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh to the African Cup of Nations next month.
"To cover for two months is ideal," Wenger said. "He has the experience and the quality. He knows the club and can help the players on and off the pitch."
Henry established himself as a club legend in his first stint before moving to Spanish giant Barcelona.
On December 9, he was moved to tears when Arsenal unveiled statues of himself, former captain Tony Adams and ex-manager Herbert Chapman to celebrate the club's 125th-year anniversary.
Henry's debut is likely to come against second-tier side Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup on January 9, although there is an outside chance he could play a part in the league match at Fulham on Monday.
Transfer
Chelsea agree fee with Bolton for Cahill
Although Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea have agreed a fee for England defender Gary Cahill, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has said his club and the player are "miles apart" over the personal terms.
However, he said he was still optimistic the deal would be completed and that Cahill would join Chelsea after the January transfer window opens tomorrow.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle earlier said: "There has been a fee agreed between the clubs and we have now given Gary's representatives permission to speak to Chelsea. That is where we are with it."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said yesterday that the former France captain will sign for the team in a two-month loan deal once an insurance agreement is reached with the New York Red Bulls, Henry's club in Major League Soccer.
Wenger is turning to Henry, who scored a club-record 226 goals in eight years at Arsenal between 1999 and 2007, to fill the gap in his strikeforce left by the impending departure of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh to the African Cup of Nations next month.
"To cover for two months is ideal," Wenger said. "He has the experience and the quality. He knows the club and can help the players on and off the pitch."
Henry established himself as a club legend in his first stint before moving to Spanish giant Barcelona.
On December 9, he was moved to tears when Arsenal unveiled statues of himself, former captain Tony Adams and ex-manager Herbert Chapman to celebrate the club's 125th-year anniversary.
Henry's debut is likely to come against second-tier side Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup on January 9, although there is an outside chance he could play a part in the league match at Fulham on Monday.
Transfer
Chelsea agree fee with Bolton for Cahill
Although Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea have agreed a fee for England defender Gary Cahill, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has said his club and the player are "miles apart" over the personal terms.
However, he said he was still optimistic the deal would be completed and that Cahill would join Chelsea after the January transfer window opens tomorrow.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle earlier said: "There has been a fee agreed between the clubs and we have now given Gary's representatives permission to speak to Chelsea. That is where we are with it."
