Gunners face busy week of negotiations
Initial dialogue with their captain may have finally started, but Henry maintains there is still plenty to discuss before he agrees to a deal which will keep the French striker at the north London club for the rest of his career.
Meanwhile, the length of a new deal for Pires is likely to remain key when his epresentatives look to thrash out a compromise to retain the services of the 32-year-old midfielder.
Wenger, though, is also mindful of the future, having last week concluded the signings of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, aged 21, and French U19 international Vasiriki Abou Diaby, and has made no secret of his desire to add the highly-rated Walcott to his ranks.
Saints head coach George Burley insists he knows nothing of a supposed £12 million bid from the Gunners for Walcott, but it is widely reported negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the Coca-Cola Championship club keen to agree a deal whereby they retain the striker's services for the rest of the season under a loan agreement.
As well as looking to make further additions to his squad, the Arsenal boss is also keen to secure the long-term services of Henry, and also Pires whose current deal expires at the end of the season as soon as possible.
Although Henry is expected to become the highest-paid player in the club's history, his agent insists money is not the main issue concerning the 28-year-old.
"He wants to be part of a team which challenges for all major honours, both domestically and in Europe," said Jerome Anderson.
"He has won the World Cup and the European Championships, he has won everything other than the Champions League. Obviously to win the Champions League you need to have many, many great players in order to win what is the biggest club tournament in the world.
Anderson added: "He wants to do what is best for him, his family and his career and he has made that public over the last few days."
