Wenger has been weighing up a move for the Gunners’ record goalscorer, who scored 226 goal in 370 appearances, with speculation rife that the paperwork will be signed before New Year’s Day.
New York Red Bulls star Henry would be available for eight Premier League matches including those against Manchester United and Tottenham, plus the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash with AC Milan.
Henry, who has been training with the Gunners to keep his fitness levels up, would provide another attacking option during a busy period when Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho will be on African Cup of Nations duty.
Asked about the possibility of a deal, former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn believes Henry’s signing would provide a huge lift to the club.
“I hope everything works out as everyone is expecting,” Winterburn told Sky Sports News.
“It’s terrific news for supporters of Arsenal. Thierry Henry is a winner. If he can make that rub off on players around him it can only be good for them.
“I hope everything fits into place.”
Despite his enthusiasm to see the Frenchman back in Arsenal colours, Winterburn admitted Henry’s arrival would be something of a gamble.
“If it works out well it will be a terrific move by Arsene Wenger, but on the flip-side if it doesn’t work out well people will say ‘why didn’t he go out and get a world-class current striker?’
“Will he play in that central role and maybe Robin van Persie move out to the left? Van Persie is the top man at Arsenal at this time. There are a lot of questions to answer butArsenal would be delighted to have him back for this short time.”
