Wenger threatens Barcelona over Henry

ARSENE WENGER threatened Barcelona with an official complaint over an illegal approach for Thierry Henry as he accused the Spanish champions’ president of a “lack of respect.”

Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly told a fans' forum earlier this week that he would "do everything he can to try to sign Thierry Henry."

That has angered Wenger, especially given the doubts over Henry's future, with the Frenchman having delayed any talks over a new contract until the end of this season.

The Arsenal boss declared: "If they want to sign him, all they have to do is call us up because he has 18 months left on his contract.

"I hope to do something about it because it's unfair and unsettling. I am worried about it."

He said: "It shows a lack of respect. I don't care who you are in football. If you are Doncaster, or if you are Barcelona, you should respect the rules."

Wenger questioned whether Laporta was already starting the club presidential election process, having been voted in after vowing to bring David Beckham to the club only for the England captain to join Real Madrid instead.

If Wenger did make an official complaint, he would have to report Barcelona to world governing body FIFA, although the Arsenal boss may simply be trying to warn clubs off his prize asset.

Arsenal previously fended off repeated interest in Patrick Vieira from Real Madrid, only for the French midfielder to move to Juventus this summer.

Meanwhile Arsenal striker Robin van Persie may be ruled out of the Christmas programme after picking up a knee injury.

The 22-year-old came off in the first half of Wednesday's Carling Cup penalty shoot-out win at Doncaster and boss Arsenal Wenger is uncertain of the extent of the injury.

He said: "Robin has a knock over his knee. I don't know how long it will be, it is quite swollen."

Wenger also played down fears striker Thierry Henry would miss Monday's game at Charlton with an Achilles injury.

"He is not out for Monday's game yet," insisted Wenger.

But there was bad news for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, who grabbed a vital equaliser against Doncaster.

The Dutch striker was substituted 15 minutes after his second-half strike with a knee problem and he faces up to six weeks on the sidelines.