EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal offer club legend Henry two-month loan deal

Arsenal have finally offered Thierry Henry a contract to return to the club on a two-month loan.

Arsene Wenger had been mulling over whether to take back the club’s all-time leading goalscorer to boost his side’s chances of finishing in the top four.



Welcome back: Alex Song and Robin van Persie greet Thierry Henry before Arsenal's draw with Wolves

With Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh heading to the Africa Cup of Nations next month, the Arsenal manager has concluded that top scorer

Robin van Persie needs help to lighten his scoring burden.

Wenger decided to make the offer after the 34-year-old returned from holiday in Mexico this week. Henry has a $4.5million (£2.9m) deal with New York Red Bulls but has been training with Arsenal in the MLS off-season and does not have to return to America until March.

Welcome back: Thierry Henry is set to join Arsenal on loan

He could feature in seven Premier League games if he accepts the offer — as well as FA Cup ties and the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 clash against AC Milan. But it is the Premier League where Wenger’s side need most help, with key games against Manchester United and Tottenham coming up.



Henry has impressed with his sharpness, attitude and effect on the Arsenal squad. He has become increasingly in favour of a return to the club and was moved to tears when a statue of him was unveiled at the Emirates this month.



Keeping an eye: Henry observes the Wolves action from the stands on Tuesday

The former Arsenal captain scored a record 226 goals and won two league titles at the club between 1999 and 2007.

His return would excite fans smarting from the summer departures of Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri.

He will be welcome in the dressing too, with Alex Song and Per Mertesacker among those singing the former Barcelona man’s praises.



‘He is a great opportunity for us,’ said Mertesacker after Tuesday’s

frustrating 1-1 draw against Wolves.

Option: Lukas Podolski is also a target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

‘But I’m not the manager. I am happy training with him. He is playing well. Training against him is a great experience. He shows his class. He has the same attitude he showed in a lot of Arsenal games.’



Mertesacker has also been in touch with fellow German Lukas Podolski,

urging him to join the club in January.



Sportsmail revealed Wenger’s interest in the striker this month, and Mertesacker said: ‘Of course I’ve been on the phone to him. He is a powerful, great player, especially for the national team.

