Arsenal: Hands off Henry

Prize asset: Henry is staying at Highbury

14 April 2012

Arsenal claimed today that Thierry Henry is not for sale - at any price.

The FA Cup holders moved swiftly to dismiss suggestions they might be prepared to listen to a big- money offer from Chelsea's new owner, the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Although not yet confirmed, it is believed that Chelsea made an official inquiry last Friday and that one of Abramovich's right-hand men made a direct offer of a world record transfer fee of £ 50million to Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein.

But an Arsenal spokesman said: "We are not in the business of selling our best players. We are trying to buy players. There is no logic in selling players to help other clubs prosper."

The arrival of Abramovich could have a major impact on the European transfer market. He has already been linked with a host of stars such as Alessandro Nesta, Harry Kewell, Wayne Rooney, Juan Sebastian Veron, Christian Vieri, Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert and Ronaldinho.

Abramovich has put together an ambitious wish list with the help of Israeli agent Pini Zahavi, but what Chelsea need most are two central midfield players, to replace Jody Morris and act as cover for 33-year-old Emmanuel Petit. These need to be in place before the 6 August deadline for registering players for the Champions League qualifying round.

Chelsea have now pulled out of the running for West Ham's Joe Cole and sources insist that the new owner wants a "mega" signing to replace Gianfranco Zola.

Such an amazing offer for Henry would test the resolve of any club and Arsenal, with uncertainty still surrounding their move to a new stadium at Ashburton Grove, have more need for the money than most. They have had difficulty putting in place the banking arrangements for the £400m project.

Henry has just signed a threeyear extension to his contract, meaning he is tied to Highbury for four more years, but he is known to be Abramovich's favourite player. He said: "I like Thierry Henry and I also like Sol Campbell but I'm not going to name other players because their price will just go up."

Abramovich has also created further uncertainty surrounding the future of Claudio Ranieri by revealing he wants a say in team selection.

The 36-year-old has yet to meet his Italian manager and refused to dismiss the suggestion that he wants a new man.

Speculation has swept Italy that Roma manager Fabio Capello is wanted to spearhead Chelsea's Champions League campaign. Abramovich said: "I am not sure, I just don't know. I am going to sit down with him in the very near future.

"This is what part of the pleasure is all about - to participate in the game and the selection process. The coach will determine which areas are in need of new players. I will participate in that discussion and analysis." Ranieri wants to meet the new owner as soon as possible and acknowledges his future is unclear.

He said: "I don't know Mr Abramovich and would like to speak with him. At the moment I am continuing to coach my side but when the ownership of a club changes it is the right of the new owner to decide who he wants in charge."

Patrick Vieira, meanwhile, has denied signing a new contract at Arsenal. It was reported yesterday that the French midfielder had agreed a new deal at Highbury, but he has yet to put pen to paper.

Vieira said: "Contrary to the article I have not actually signed a new contract with Arsenal Football Club yet.

However, negotiations are going well, improving all the time, and I'm very hopeful things will be sorted out by the start of the season. "I would like to make it clear that I will make any announcements regarding my future through Arsenal Football Club."

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Arsenal: Hands off Henry

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