Henry to decide on future before World Cup

ARSENE WENGER last night welcomed the news Thierry Henry wanted his future sorted out before the start of the World Cup, but maintained he would not rush the Arsenal captain to make a decision.

The Gunners are keen to tie the striker to a new long-term contract, as speculation linking the 28-year-old with a move to Spanish champions Barcelona shows little signs of abating.

Henry though, now indicated he will not let the uncertainty over his future drag on into the World Cup.

"On my side it has always been the same, on his side, only Thierry can explain where he stands," Wenger said. "Thierry has said many times he is ambitious and wants to be part of an ambitious club. I feel that we are one."

Wenger quipped: "The World Cup starts on June 9, so we should know on June 8 at midnight!"

However, the Arsenal boss insisted: "When he is ready, I have no deadline. I do not think it would be good for him to wait until after the World Cup, although for me it would be less disturbing than for him. You can get calls during the World Cup and it can disturb your focus."

Henry said: "People were talking about money, but I think people should know by now I'm not someone who thinks about the money before the game. That is why, when I talked about sporting ambitions, I was talking about the pitch and nothing else."

"My main concern right now is to finish in the top four - because it's vital for the club and to concentrate on winning the Champions League.

"If we were maybe like Chelsea - 20 (sic) points ahead and in the semi-final of the FA Cup, and already out of the Champions League - maybe you can start to think about stuff," he added.

"We are not in that situation, and I cannot afford to keep my foot off the pedal and think about other stuff when my team needs me to be focused on what we're doing right now - trying to get in the top four and maybe, finally, getting our hands on that (Champions League) trophy."

Wenger insisted Arsenal had to "win every game" to stand a chance of forcing their way into the top four, starting with Villa today. "We have a game in hand on Tottenham. If we win against Villa, it could be two [points] and then we have to play them. It is not only Tottenham because Blackburn and Bolton are as much of a potential rival. Considering Tottenham, we still have the destiny in our hands. If we beat Tottenham and win our other games we will be in front of them - but with Bolton that is not the case.

Wenger will be without Sol Campbell today, but he could return to the squad for the trip to Turin next week.

Fellow England defender Ashley Cole could also soon be back in action for Arsenal.

Wenger said: "He is developing well, his evolution is very good. He should start (training) on the field next week so he should be ready to play for the first team in two weeks."

Winger Robert Pires has again been linked with a move away from Arsenal in the summer, with Benfica the latest club said to be interested.

Wenger confirmed German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, 36, would be at the club again next season.