It looks like he might actually want to go

I didn’t initially think that there was much to the ‘Henry to Barcelona’ stories that have erupted over the summer. Last summer was the nearest he went to leaving, and in the end he decided to stay, penning a new contract to boot. It was no surprise though when constant reports linking Mr. Va-Va-Voom away again started up. I just didn’t think there was much truth to it all. Anything he said was misinterpreted best it could be to somehow translate as a ‘come and get me plea’ to Europe’s elite. But the latest word from Henry has actually got me thinking that he’s not so sure anymore.

Speaking on the French story that seemed to suggest Henry to Barca was a done deal and that meetings had taken place already with Thierry’s agent, Henry and his agent denied this. It would appear legal action might even be taken. That was reassuring, even if I hadn’t believed the story anyway. However, what he said after was less reassuring and I quote:

At this moment I am an Arsenal player and in the same situation as I was last year. Last season people were announcing all over the place that I was leaving. Some people wrote that it would happen for sure but at the end of the day I stayed at Arsenal. It could be the same this year. I’ve not taken any decision and my name is not up on any departures board. If something happens, I will tell everybody.

Make of that what you will but I’m finding it increasingly difficult to excuse the stuff he comes out with. The way I see it is that the same situation he was in last year means he is again contemplating his future, probably because again we failed to challenge for the title. He also says ‘at this moment,’ not hinting as ever that his future is yet tied to Arsenal. He also goes on to say last year there was similar talk, he stayed at Arsenal in the end and the same could happen this season. Could. I think we can safely say his future is again in doubt.

He also reiterated his feelings on David Dein’s departure and while I thought many media sources were clutching at straws when they linked Dein leaving to Arsenal players and Wenger casting their future’s in doubt, Dein’s leaving does seem to have had an impact on Thierry.

David Dein’s departure was a mistake.

I have said it before and I will say it for the next 20 years. If there was one person who had to stay at Arsenal, it was David Dein.

I’d have said Arsene Wenger but then again, Dein was the one who appointed our manager.

Thing is though, if was 100% convinced he wanted to stay then a simple ‘I’m staying’ would suit me quite fine. The media wouldn’t stop of course but it would satisfy myself and a number of other Gooners, I’m sure. Right now though, my mind is that he’s not sure and would seriously think about an offer from Barcelona or whomever.

If he does up and leave, and I’m not one for keeping a player who wants to pack his backs and not fully commit himself, then we’d need a good enough sum to dig out a replacement. Eto’o thrown into the deal would always be nice but that isn’t going to happen.

I’ll give you more as it unfolds.

• As per usual, Arsene Wenger’s in the market for some new potential he can mould into some serious quality. The kid in question is sixteen year old Havard Nordtveit, who’s already a first teamer, albeit in Norway’s second division. We’ve had a bid rejected with Nordtveit saying the club’s estimation of his value is too high. It remains to be seen whether Wenger will pursue with it.
• Fabianski’s came out with a nice piece showing his determination to beat off competition from Lehamnn and Almunia to be Arsenal’s number one next season, which is only healthy.
• Real Zaragoza are said to be pondering a move for Philippe Senderos, which I’d wager would be a more appealing prospect for him than Charlton. If he did go, we’d surely have to get a replacement in, especially with Toure off for a spell in January what with the African Nations Cup taking place.