He may not be the apple of Irish people’s eyes, but Arsenal fans are bound to be excited at the prospect of Thierry Henry playing for the Gunners once again.
Speculation that the cheating Frenchman would make a return has existed for some time and there are widespread reports this morning that Arsene Wenger is set to offer Henry a two-month loan deal that would run until the beginning of March.
The 34-year old remains contracted to the New York Red Bulls, who would more than likely be willing to allow Henry to play for the Gunners and keep his fitness ticking over until the return of that most thrilling and entertaining of leagues, the MLS, in March.
If a deal could be agreed, Henry could be available for Arsenal’s clash with Fulham on 2 January and would also be around when Manchester United come to the Emirates on 22 January.
Henry has been training with the Gunners recently and with Arsenal relying all too heavily on Robin van Persie, Gervinho heading off to the African Nations Cup, Marouane Chamakh continuing to underperform and Park Chu-Young yet to make an impression, the idea of Henry returning for a short spell doesn’t seem that ridiculous after all.
The Frenchman is, of course, a far cry from the player who graced Highbury and the Emirates for the best part of the last decade, but if he could bang in a few goals, rebuild the rapport with Gooners and avoid the moodiness and Gallic shrugs that were as much a part of his game as his searing pace and excellent finishing, his brief spell would be regarded as a success.
Let’s just hope he can avoid any controversial handballs this time around.
