Wenger remains hopeful of keeping Henry

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger remains hopeful of keeping talismanic striker Thierry Henry at the London club next season.

“I cannot end the rumours. I’ve tried for a certain amount of time without success,” Wenger told France Football magazine.

France striker Henry, Arsenal’s all-time top scorer with 215 goals since joining the club in 1999, has been linked with a move to Arsenal’s Champions League final opponents Barcelona.

“Do not forget Thierry is under contract until 2007,” added Wenger.

“I think the next two seasons will be his best. I hope it will be Arsenal who will benefit from this. Maybe everybody does not have this hope. I have it.”

Henry has said he would decide his future before the start of the World Cup finals on June 9.