Arsene’s angst as frustrated Henry hails Milan interest
The French coach may have tried to get away from things and recharge his batteries with a break in Italy, but the Gunners manager will have been all too aware of the rumours of unrest back at Emirates Stadium.
AC Milan and Barcelona continue to be linked with a big-money move for the World Cup winner and runner-up, whose impact last season was limited by a string of niggling injuries following his exploits of 2006.
Henry, 29, looked to have pledged himself to Arsenal for the rest of his playing days by signing a new long-term deal last year, said to be worth in the region of £110,000-a-week in the wake of their Champions League final appearance.
However, a disappointing first campaign at the club’s new 60,000-seater home in Ashburton Grove and the lack of supposed big-name signings have once again seen speculation rise the Gunners’ most talented player could be tempted for fresh challenges elsewhere.
In a frank interview yesterday, Henry discussed how the departure of vice-chairman David Dein in April was “not a clever move” and it had “unsettled a lot of players”.
More significantly, though, was Henry’s admission the interest from European champions AC Milan was “great to hear”.
The future of Wenger also remains subject for debate, the 57-year-old out of contract next summer and as yet to start formal talks on an extension.
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas has openly admitted he would have to consider his own future were Wenger ever to leave. Likewise Henry’s destiny seems intrinsically linked with the current management.
“Right now I am an Arsenal player. I am just sitting here talking,” said the Gunners captain, when quizzed on his own future plans and those of Wenger. “I do not know. That is something I have to see and discuss with him.”
There is also continued uncertainty surrounding the involvement of Stan Kroenke. Chairman Peter Hill-Wood was set to meet the US billionaire — who owns just over a 12% holding — this month, although confirmation of whether that has now taken place is unavailable, Should Kroenke wish to step up his interest — which was the dispute behind Dein’s rift with the board — then the likelihood is Wenger could well be handed a bumper war chest with which to strengthen his squad into genuine title challengers again.
However, without that massive cash injection, the Arsenal manager maintains all is not lost, with Henry also agreeing “the potential is definitely there”.
But delivering that into success more than an appearance in the Carling Cup final will be crucial.
Henry said: “Now let’s hope we can put that all together and bring back some silverware. Manchester United did not win the league for three years and finally they did it — who would have said that 10 years ago? So things happen sometimes, you have to keep going and make sure you can be better and have a great season next season.”
Arsenal did manage to produce some notable displays last season, even if consistency was missing.
Their victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in September was secured without Henry, proving the young Gunners can compete on their day.
Emmanuel Adebayor, 23, was on target that afternoon, and could well find himself central again should the unthinkable happen with Henry.
The Togo striker — handed a four-match ban for his sending off in the mass brawl at the Carling Cup final — chalked up 12 goals last season.
Adebayor is convinced the best is yet to come. “I am still learning about English football, but I am getting better and next season I hope to show that. That is why I would say last season was partly a success and partly not. I know I can show more.”
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