Wenger ponders Arshavin move

Arshavin is Arsenal’s record signing but is understood to be close to moving on having lost his place in Wenger’s side and fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium this season.

The Gunners boss has always insisted that the Russian star is not for sale and remains a part of his plans but it is said that he is now ready to let him leave if a suitable offer comes in having been left unhappy at his contribution so far this term.

Arshavin has lost his place to Gervinho over the last three months while Wenger is understood to be keen to bring in another striker in the new year, with German international Lukas Podolski having been heavily linked with a move to north London.

The 30-year-old could well return to Russia with former club Zenit St.

Petersburg keen to re-sign the attacker, while Lokomotiv Moscow are also interested in taking him on a six-month loan spell, but Arsenal are understood to want around £8 million for the striker before they will let him leave.

AW not ruling out Henry return

Henry became Arsenal’s record goalscorer during an eight-year spell with the club before leaving in 2007 to join Barcelona and later New York Red Bulls.

He is currently back training with the Gunners during the MLS close season, leading to reports that Wenger could look to tie up a short-term loan deal when the transfer window reopens.

The Arsenal manager has previously insisted that he will not be signing Henry, but that stance now appears to have softened.

While Wenger has not spoken to Henry or New York Red Bulls about a move, he is not ruling out the idea and is still an admirer of the 34-year-old’s abilities.

Asked whether Henry could join on loan, Wenger said: “At the moment, Thierry Henry just practices with us. I haven’t even investigated that.

“I cannot tell you even if there is a chance because I haven’t even made any approach, not to him nor his club.”

But asked whether Henry is good enough to play again in the Premier League, Wenger replied: “Yes.”

Arsenal will be left short of attacking options in the New Year when Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh link up with Ivory Coast and Morocco respectively for the African Cup of Nations.

Robin van Persie has been in sparkling form all year and it is reported that Wenger will only attempt to bring in Henry as emergency cover if the Dutchman suffers an injury over the busy festive period.