He scores when he wants! Arsenal 1-0 QPR

Who's looking forward to King Henry II Arsenal Goal Number 227?

Merry Christmas – Seasons Greetings – From @thearsenal49ers #thearsenal49ers

New Arsenal No.12 from Jan 1st?

AW Signing Henry? "That's why I have Christmas Day off; I have to think about that! Short-term is ideal for us!” Sagna back in 3 weeks! Coquelin handed new deal! Gilberto “AW should sign Henry!” No Cahill bid! £12m Podolski bid! Lyon in London to sell Gourcuff to AFC! Casemiro, Zamora. Pato Linked!

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hasn't ruled out signing New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry.

Henry could join Arsenal on a short-term loan.

"That's why I have Christmas Day off - I have to think about that," said Wenger.

"Short-term is ideal for us, but I haven't made any enquiry yet. Thierry is not here at the moment. It has never come up in conversation!

"The first of January is the vital date for us. We have seven days to make decisions and I will make a decision in the next seven days on players."

• Bacary Sagna could be back in action by the end of January according to Arsenal managerArsene Wenger.

The French full-back suffered a broken leg in the Gunners’ loss to North London rivals Tottenham at White Hart Lane in October but after starting running this week, could be back in action within a month.

"He is a long way ahead of schedule,” Wenger said.

"I saw him still limping a little bit so we have to be careful but physically he will be ready very quickly because he worked very hard in the gym.

"We think the end of January is a reasonable target for him."

• Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin is being handed a new deal.

Gunners chief Arsene Wenger is keen to reward the player, who has made a breakthrough this season with nine first-team outings.

The France Under-20 ace is set to sign a four-year deal in the next few weeks, boosting his current weekly wage, which is less than £10,000.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists Kieran Gibbs can still make England's Euros squad.

Gibbs has been ruled out for another month after undergoing surgery on his groin but a sympathetic Wenger is confident he can get his career back on track.

"He is incredibly unlucky but he still can play in the Euros, because they are in June and we are in December," said the manager.

"Normally this injury would keep him out for four weeks, so there is still a good opportunity. But we cannot waste any time.

"It is very difficult for him. I feel sometimes for players between 19 and 20, if they get injured, then their body adjusts a little to the requested physical level then they can have a long period without injury - I have seen it many times.

"Some get through it, but most of them suffer injuries between the ages of 19 and 20."

• Gilberto is backing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's push for New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry.

Former Gunners skipper Gilberto – a key member of The Invincibles side of 2003-04 – insisted the French ace would be a fantastic addition.

“He has a great history with the club and everyone will be inspired by him,” the Brazilian, who is still playing in his homeland with Gremio aged 35.

“I can’t comment on him as a player because he is 34 now, but I know he is a good guy and great to have in the dressing room.

“This is an important year for Arsenal because many things have changed for the club. Arsene has gone for experienced players and I think Thierry can help the team a lot.

“Arsenal’s been a big part of his life and has a place in his heart. I know how he feels. Even if we have moved to some other clubs, once you have played for Arsenal you never forget the club – the memories of the passion.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says they won't be moving for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

Cahill was the subject of offers from Arsenal in August.

But Wenger dismissed the idea of signing a central defender out of hand, saying: "We have plenty in the middle, we have plenty of centre-backs and fortunately they can play as well on the flanks.

“We are not looking for any centre-back, no chance.”

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is planning a move for FC Cologne striker Lukas Podolski.

Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho both due to go to the African Nations Cup next month, Wenger needs to boost his attacking options during the January transfer window.

He has watched Cologne’s Lukas Podolski and will bid for the German striker.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger isn't giving up on Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

Wenger wanted to sign the playmaker in August, but injury scuppered the deal.

Speculation regarding the former AC Milan man's future has been heightened due to Lyon upping their interest in Dijon midfielder Benjamin Corgnet, who looks like a like-for-like replacement.

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has been in London this week to discuss the transfer - with Arsenal looking to add to their squad in January.

• Arsenal are being linked with Sao Paulo midfielder Casemiro.

The Brazilian club are aware of mounting interest in the talented midfielder, who has been extensively scouted by clubs across Europe.

Sources in Brazil suggest Sao Paulo are open to doing business - and at a starting rate of £10m,Arsene Wenger is likely to step up his interest,

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is planning a shock move for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora.

The Gunners have sounded out Fulham about the possibility of an exchange deal involving their striker Marouane Chamakh.

Wenger is ready to offload the Moroccan and is willing to use him as a bargaining tool if he goes for Zamora.

RVP delighted with the scoring 34 times so far in 2011! "I think it has helped that I haven't missed a single Premier League game! It is still early. We've only played 17 games we're not even halfway, so anything can happen in this league! Summer signings have changed everything! AW "If we can get back to within 6 points of City, then you can start to speak about being title contenders! We are stable defensively now!” Per, Yossi talk! Bridge, Biglia Linked!

• Arsenal captain Robin van Persie is delighted with the scoring record.

Van Persie has revealed his pride at equalling Thierry Henry's club record for the most Premier League goals in a calendar year.

The Dutchman has scored 34 times in 2011 and has two matches left this year to surpass the all-time Premier League record of 36 goals by Alan Shearer in 1995.

Van Persie, who equalled Henry's tally with his penalty in the win at Aston Villa, said: "It is a big honour to equal Thierry's record because he is probably the best player Arsenal ever had. To achieve what he did in a year is really special. It makes me proud.

"I think it has helped that I haven't missed a single Premier League game and featured for 90 minutes in most of them.

"When you have a good run, and you feel fresh and fit, you try things, you take more risks here and there than, for example, if you are just coming back from injury. You always need a couple of games (to get fully sharp) when you're back from injury.

"As a striker I think it is really important to have a go. If you look at my performances, I take more risks now because I know with the team behind me I will always get more chances.

"It's not that I only get one chance normally, I always get one, two, three, sometimes four chances in a game. That sort of tells me that I can take a risk here and there."

• Arsenal captain Robin van Persie insists they're not out of the title race.

The Dutchman believes there will be many twists and turns before the outcome of the title is resolved.

Van Persie said: "It is still early. We've only played 17 games, we're not even halfway so anything can happen in this league."

Arsenal have lost 8-2 at Manchester United and won 5-3 at Chelsea already this season.

"Our result against Manchester United was a bit of a surprise, our result away at Chelsea was a big surprise, and then Manchester United lost to Manchester City 6-1 so anything is possible," Van Persie said.

"The way we look at it is that we challenge for every single game and we will see what that will bring us."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger accepts the Gunners are not currently contenders for the Premier League title.

Wenger's team are still 12 points adrift of Roberto Mancini's City side heading into Christmas, and the Frenchman concedes challenging for a Champions League spot is more realistic than aiming for top spot at present.

Wenger said: "We are out of the title race as things stand because we are very far away from Manchester City.

"It was important to get back on track at Villa, a place which is always difficult to go to, but it is too early to say we are back in the title race.

"But then we've just had two difficult away games in succession while City have had two home matches they've won."

Wenger added: "If we can get back to within six points of City, then you can start to speak about being title contenders.

"As things stand, we are still in a good race for the top four."

• Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has credited their summer signings for their amazing form turnaround.

Van Persie has led the way with 16 goals in the top flight and even he has been shocked by the strength of Arsenal’s response.

“Maybe a little bit,” he said. “We had to get used to the new players [who signed at the end of August].

"I have to give lots of credit to Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen and Yossi Benayoun - great characters, really helpful in every area. When I need assistance, they are always helping me.

"Mikel, for example, played seven years at Everton, two years at Rangers and you can tell he’s an experienced player. Yossi is similar, Per Mertesacker has played close to 80 times for Germany. They have really helped me."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is delighted with the improvement of his defence this season.

Wenger is thrilled with what he’s seen.

“We are stable defensively,” he said. “Our defensive record since the 8-2 defeat at Manchester United has improved tremendously and you could see that again today.

“In the first half we were dominating well but even in the second half when we were under pressure we still kept our shape.

“We got away with one or two difficult situations but there is an improvement there.”

• Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker says they proved themselves under pressure at Aston Villa this week.

The Gunners were fancied to beat struggling Aston Villa but had to wait until Yossi Benayoun’s 87th-minute header to secure a narrow 2-1 victory.

“We felt the pressure because of the bad game against Man City [on Sunday] but we have now won away from home again,” Mertesacker said.

“We were under pressure but we found a good solution with the first goal. We created some good chances but not as much as we thought at the beginning as Villa were always quick. Gabriel Agbonlahor was in some good situations [to score] but defensively we did a good job.

“Villa are a confident side. We thought because of their bad run that they were struggling, but I didn’t feel that today.”

• Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie hailed their match winner Yossi Benayoun after victory over Aston Villa.

Van Persie was delighted for Benayoun to score the winner with a rare header from his corner with just three minutes remaining.

He joked: "It was really good for Yossi as well because he has been training unbelievably, trust me.

"Everyone was hoping for him to get a chance and he took it. Everyone is so pleased for him."

• Yossi Benayoun was delighted to prove Arsenal's match winner against Aston Villa.

He came off the bench on Wednesday and headed a late winner in the Gunners' 2-1 Premier League win at Aston Villa.

The Israeli international said: "I don't know if I felt the goal was coming, but every time I get the chance to play I'm doing my best.

"I didn't play in the last two games and of course you get a bit frustrated. You wait for your chance and I'm glad I scored the winner."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is delighted with the attitude of on-loan Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

Benayoun came off the bench with 10 minutes remaining to score his third goal of the campaign, heading home from Robin van Persie’s 87th-minute corner.

Wenger had previously sympathised with Benayoun’s lack of match action this season and was quick to praise the Israel international’s attitude after the game.

“He is well integrated in the group, is a fantastic professional and has a great spirit,” Wenger said.

“He is a very intelligent boy and tonight he did fantastically well when he came on. The changes who came on did very well and stabilised our game I think - Yossi came on and won us three fantastic points.

“You go to City and then to Villa and I have to give fantastic credit to my players, they have given absolutely everything in the last three days with two difficult away games.

“For us to respond well was vital. I was a bit nervous I must say because for us you have experience and history with us coming to Aston Villa - it is always these kinds of games where it is marginal to win or to lose.

“I was a bit nervous because I knew how important it was to win and I knew that it would be a difficult game.”

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to push through a deal for Manchester City fullback Wayne Bridge.

Wenger expects Kieran Gibbs, who had a hernia operation in October, to be out for at least four more weeks, which will be enough for the Arsenal boss to step up his interest in loaning Bridge from Manchester City.

Former England international Bridge has been told he can leave Manchester City whenever he wants and could make a loan return to London, seven months after completing six-month spell with West Ham.

• Manchester United and Arsenal will reportedly battle it out for Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia according to his agent.

The 25-year old Argentine has emerged as a target for the Gunners in the past few weeks with United now jumping on board to join Italian outfit Fiorentina as potential suitors.

But Biglia’s agent, Enzo Montepaone, has admitted his €8million-rated client could remain atAnderlecht despite the winter interest.

"Fiorentina, Arsenal and Manchester United? The interest of those clubs is real,” he said.

"He would easily earn double than at Anderlecht but his first intention is to grow and he wants a club where he can do that.

"Lucas has a contract with Anderlecht until 2015 and if the club don't want to sell, he will continue to play there.

"What offer could be agreed with Anderlecht? The agreed minimum is €8million (£6.6m).

"We have time until 1st February."

AW "Our spirit is exceptional, that's why we came back from a bad start to the season to have such a strong run! We were a bit unlucky on Sunday against City & today maybe we were a bit lucky! Coquelin played well!” Mertesacker, Arteta talk! Zenit bid £13m for Arshavin! Rodriguez, Pastore, Mkhitaryan Linked!

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described their team spirit as "exceptional" after victory over Aston Villa.

Wenger praised the commitment of his side in recovering from a poor start to the season.

He added: "Our spirit is exceptional and that's why we came back from a bad start to the season to have such a strong run.

"You could see that some legs were jaded from Sunday and some minds as well in the speed of the decision-making. But we kept going and there is an exceptional attitude and spirit in the side.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits they were fortunate with their victory over Aston Villa.

Villa winger Marc Albrighton scored the 20,000th Premier League goal and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie equalled Thierry Henry's club record for the most Premier League goals - 34 - in a calendar year.

But Yossi Benayoun's late header from a Van Persie corner saw the Gunners to bounce back from the weekend reversal against Manchester City.

Wenger said: "I can only congratulate Villa. They played well and gave everything. We got very late three points that are vital for us.

"We were a bit unlucky on Sunday against City and today maybe we were a bit lucky.

"But overall it was important to restart with a win. We had two difficult away games where we had a to give everything physically.

"In the first half we controlled the game quite well. In the second half when Villa came back to 1-1, we had a little bit of a difficult period.

"Then we stabilised the game again and in the last 15 minutes you could feel we were on top of the game again.

"But if Villa continue to play like that, they will quickly come up in the table because they had an outstanding game."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was again grateful to Robin van Persie in last night's win overAston Villa.

Van Persie struck again - this time from the spot - in the 2-1 triumph.

"He keeps going. Of course you always have that question when he plays against Manchester City and then again with that intensity, do 

I rest him? At the moment he feels alright so I just take a gamble. Now we have a little breather to prepare for our home game and let's hope we can win then," said Wenger.

"We have to give credit to Villa tonight, we know they always give us a good reception here. They always make it very difficult for us."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was staying tight lipped on his transfer plans last night.

After victory over Aston Villa, Wenger was asked if he would buy in January.

"Frankly I don't know yet, it depends on what happens to Gibbs. Vermaelen does quite well at left back, it is not the position where he feels happiest but he does it with a good spirit. On the right side tonight I played a midfielder [Francis Coquelin], who I feel has done quite well."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says there's no reason to rush a decision over signing permanently Yossi Benayoun.

The on-loan Chelsea midfielder grabbed the winner against Aston Villa last night.

"We have him on loan until the end of the season so we do not need to decide [on a permanent transfer] tonight," said Wenger.

• Per Mertesacker admits that Arsenal felt the weight of expectation at Villa Park on Wednesday night - and he was delighted to come away with all three points.

The Gunners were fancied to beat struggling Aston Villa but had to wait until Yossi Benayoun’s 87th-minute header to secure a narrow 2-1 victory.

“We felt the pressure because of the bad game against Man City [on Sunday] but we have now won away from home again,” said Mertesacker.

“We were under pressure but we found a good solution with the first goal. We created some good chances but not as much as we thought at the beginning as Villa were always quick. Gabriel Agbonlahor was in some good situations [to score] but defensively we did a good job.

“Villa are a confident side. We thought because of their bad run that they were struggling, but I didn’t feel that today.”

• Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta knows a genuine title challenge is a long shot this season.

Arteta knows the odds are stacked against Arsenal.

"I think we need to be realistic," he said.

"It will be really tough to [make up] 12 points on Man City from here until the end of the season because they haven't dropped many points until now. But you never know in football. We can only go game by game and try to put pressure on them.

"The main thing is to focus on the football. We know that if we get through this period and get all the points then we will have a really good chance to be fighting for something at the end of the season. We know how important that is for the Club."

• Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta is excited by their Champions League tie with AC Milan.

Arteta knows Arsenal could have had an easier task - on paper at least - but he is relishing the chance to take on one of European football's most famous clubs.

"I smiled when the draw was made because I think it's a really good game to play," Arteta said.

"It makes it more exciting to play a team like Milan. Any team at this stage of the Champions League is going to be tough, even if people think you are favourites. I like playing against teams like this and we've got a good chance, so let's play. All the boys feel the same. If we have to play them, so be it, and let's try to win.

"This is exactly why I came to Arsenal. In your career you want to have moments like this. You don't face them every day so we have to take this special opportunity."

• Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg are looking to bring Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin back to the club.

The 30-year old Russia international continues to struggle in North London and could be on the move back home with Zenit showing considerable interest.

"We are always interested in Arshavin," Zenit director Igor Korneyev told Sovietsky Sport.

"But I can neither confirm nor deny whether we have made an offer."

• Arsenal are maintaining a watching brief on Real Madrid midfielder Jose Rodriguez.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a big fan of Rodriguez, who was named the U17World Cup Player of the Tournament earlier this year.

Rodriguez recently signed a new contract with Real, but that won't put off Wenger.

• Arsenal have made a check on Cliftonville sensation Rory Donnelly.

Liverpool, Swansea City and Everton have all tabled offers to Cliftonville for the young striker.

Arsenal youth chief Steve Morrow made a check on Donnelly this week in action against Donegal Celtic.

Morrow took in the first-half before leaving.

AW “Szczesny can become the best in the world!” RVP “I tell our lads 'If it's not happening for you, just try to kill off the game so we can move on!” AW ready to spend big to land Gotze & Podolski in Jan! Henry & Bridge loan deals! Frimpong “there’s more to me than tackling but I’m no messi!” The OX “I can’t wait to play again!” Ryo, Fabianski Fit again!

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny can become one of the best in the world.

The Pole has been a revelation for Arsenal this season.

"He is one of the best already in his first season [in the starting line-up]," the manager said. "He has, like the team I must say, a promising future. We are confident that if he keeps his attitude and determination to do well he can be one of the best.

"I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on him. My secret belief is that he shouldn't set any limitations on his progress and personally I am confident that he can let other people judge how good he is.

"I have shown with my decisions that I am a great believer in Wojciech. The rest, how far he can go, I wouldn't like to predict. That is what a career is all about.

"He is brave and that's an important quality. You can make the goal small and yourself big. That's another important quality for a goalkeeper. He is just at the start of his career though and you do not want to say too early that he is the finished article.

"I believe that as soon as you lose that sharpness to improve you are in trouble, no matter how young you are. That's why I would just say, 'keep your attitude and you will have a bright future'."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hasn't ruled out buying big in January.

Borussia Dortmund's Mario Gotze and Lukasz Podolski of Cologne are both onArsenal's radar as they look to strengthen in the next window.

And a move to bring back former Emirates hero Thierry Henry on loan from New York Red Bulls has not been ruled out.

Gotze and Podolski would certainly fit the bill and Arsenal have big money to spend.

A major arrival in January would allow them to sanction the exit of Andrey Arshavin and perhaps misfit striker Marouane Chamakh, who is a target for Paris Saint-Germain, his former club Bordeaux andQueens Park Rangers.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he may enter the January market for a new left-back.

Kieran Gibbs has suffered a new injury setback this week.

"He (Gibbs) will see a specialist again and if something happens there that he has had a real setback then we could (go in to the loan market), possibly, yes," Wenger said.

"That's what we are doing. We are starting to look at players if Gibbs is not back."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has received positive injury reports on Ryo Miyaichi and Lukas Fabianski.

The pair have been nursing knee and ankle injuries respectively, but both are closing on a comeback.

"Ryo is joining in normal training on Friday, so he is completely back from injury," said Wenger.

"Fabianski has practised today (Tuesday) and should be available for next week."

• Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie wants them to turn ugly to win trophies.

The Gunners have not won a trophy since 2005 while often being accused of putting style above substance.

And, ahead of their visit to Aston Villa tonight, striker Van Persie said: "Nobody can play beautiful football all the time.

"When that happens I tell our lads 'If it's not happening for you, just try to kill off the game so we can move on'.

"I am still a lover of the beautiful game and always will be but I have become more realistic.

"It is too romantic to think that you can win matches by playing beautiful football alone.

"Barcelona are the exception — and I have to admit they and Arsenal are the only teams that I often watch on TV."

• Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny says he's learned from his Carling Cup final shocker last season.

The centre back earned his first France cap last month and believes his Cup Final experience eventually put him on the right path.

“I do think about it sometimes,” Koscielny said. “Mistakes can happen in life.

“It was hard for the fans and for the Club but life goes on. There are things more important than losing a Final. There will be plenty more finals to play and win.

“It was tough to swallow but it made me a better player and a better person.

“Afterwards I had a week where I was feeling really bad. It was my first Final and the Club and the fans had been waiting for a trophy for a while.

“It was so hard to take. I needed time to digest it but I had to bounce back to come back stronger than I did.”

• Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admits he's champing at the bit for a new first team chance.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is happy to bide his time but he will be raring to go if he gets his chance during a run of four games in 12 days.

“I can't say [when I will play], I don't know, that's for the boss to say really,” he said. “I'm just available if ever needed.

“There are a lot of games and maybe it is a time where players are going to be rested. It's a lot of work for the body physically so if I am required then I'm ready. I'm looking forward to getting an opportunity and I will try and take my chance.

“Everyone that comes into the team knows what's expected of them. At the end of the day we all train together at the same tempo and the same intensity so I think whoever steps into the team knows what's expected of them from the fans, from the boss and from each other.

“You're playing for Arsenal, you have to be on top of your game at all times if possible.”

• Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong says there's more to his game than his tackling and defensive work.

The 19-year-old has quickly acquired cult status among the Club’s supporters for his tough tackling, enthusiastic on-pitch approach and his infectious personality.

"Sometimes I'll go on Twitter the day before a game to see what the fans are saying and people are suggesting I'll deal with any players they don't like - 'Frimpong will get him' and that kind of thing,” he said.

“They seem to have created a 'wanted' list of people for me to go for - I don't know what they think of me!

“I think I'm going to have to make a YouTube video to show the fans the other things that I am good at. But then again, I'm not exactly Lionel Messi!"

• AC Milan might have been the toughest possible draw for Arsenal in the Champions League butMikel Arteta cannot wait to face them.

Arsène Wenger's side were paired with the seven-times winners at Friday's draw for the last 16 and the manager immediately described the two-legged encounter in February and March as a "50:50" tie.

Arteta knows Arsenal could have had an easier task - on paper at least - but he is relishing the chance to take on one of European football's most famous clubs.

"I smiled when the draw was made because I think it's a really good game to play," Arteta told Arsenal Player. 

"It makes it more exciting to play a team like Milan. Any team at this stage of the Champions League is going to be tough, even if people think you are favourites. I like playing against teams like this and we've got a good chance, so let's play. All the boys feel the same. If we have to play them, so be it, and let's try to win.

"This is exactly why I came to Arsenal. In your career you want to have moments like this. You don't face them every day so we have to take this special opportunity."

• Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong admits moving to England from Ghana as an eight-year old was the making of his football career.

Frimpong played for a local team in Ghana before his move to England, but admitted that his progress accelerated once in London.

“After arriving in England I played for Welbourne Primary School in Tottenham,” he said.

“We didn’t have a very strong team, but we were OK. After that I went to Broadwater Farm - who Daniel Boateng also played for - and 

their manager, Clasford Stirling, had links to Arsenal. I went on trial for a couple of weeks and didn’t look back.

“I already knew about Arsenal’s Academy teams because we used to play in friendly tournaments and beat them! Our players were all big and strong – Arsenal had the technique and we had the physique.”

• New York Red Bulls star Thierry Henry could be an Arsenal player again in January.

The 34-year old Frenchman has been training with his former club during the MLS off-season with initial reports stating he was simply there to keep fit but it has emerged that Arsene Wenger may strike a deal with New York for a month-long loan.

The Gunners are set to lose strikers Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho to the Morocco and Ivory Coast teams respectively for the African Cup of Nations and it is believed that Henry will be brought in as a replacement for them and back-up to skipper Robin van Persie.

Henry scored 174 goals in 254 appearances for Arsenal who he left for Barcelona in June 2007.

• Arsenal are chasing Manchester City fullback Wayne Bridge.

Bridge has emerged as Arsene Wenger's top target to cover the problematic left-back position following the news of Kieran Gibbs' fresh injury.

Arsenal have been forced into fielding a makeshift back line in recent games with Gibbs joining Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna on the Gunners' defensive injury list.

Former England international Bridge has been told he can leave Manchester City whenever he wants and could make a loan return to London, seven months after completing six-month spell with West Ham.