The silly season has been frustrating for most Arsenal supporters. There are three unresolved issues in the Gunners' camp. The inactivity in the transfer market, delays in replacing David Dein, and the endless talk of Thierry Henry packing up for Spain. These three issues could all be tied up ... Thierry Henry has mentioned his disdain for Dein's departure fueling speculation that he might be headed for Nou Camp which is why Arsene Wenger has not made any moves in the transfer market?
Henry has been ambiguous with his future, refusing to fully commit to Arsenal. Even after threatening to sue France Football for slander, there are reports that Wenger has met with FC Barcelona officials.
Contrary to popular belief, I reckon Arsenal SHOULD sell him to Barcelona now. His recent actions are unbecoming of a captain creating unrest among the other players (and fans). These are signs that he will not be as committed to Arsenal as Dennis Bergkamp was. I just do not see it. His refusal to quell the transfer rumors by simply saying "I AM AND I WILL BE AN ARSENAL PLAYER" is a good sign. He has also shown his "loyalty" traits before. I do not know the whole story, but after Nike made Thierry Henry a global brand and got his Stand Up, Speak Up campaign off the ground, he went off and signed a contract with Reebok. Nike lost him on a pseudo-Bosman and I'm afraid so will Arsenal at the end of his contract.
Why can't he show the same commitment that Gilberto Silva has demonstrated? Now, there is a man deserving of the captain's armband. Or even Freddie Ljungberg who said he would rather retire than play for another club? Although, his wages may have something to do with that.
Henry is a lost cause. He will go to Spain sooner or later, whether to Barcelona or Real Madrid. Might as well be now while he can still fetch that much money.
I do not like the idea of an Henry-less Arsenal, but this seems to be the only way that will benefit the club. Let it be known, that he will not only be a loss to Arsenal but the whole English Premier League. He seems to be well-respected by other EPL players and clubs and he is also a massive marketing component in the post-Beckham EPL. I can not see anybody replacing him as the poster boy for the league. Ronaldo? Drogba? Gerrard? None of them have the same mystique that Henry has. As Henry Winter said before: Thierry Henry is England's most beloved foreigner. He transcends Arsenal.
While the loss of Henry seems to be an enormous one, what could be gained has the potential to be better. The transfer fee might be enough to buy a top tier striker plus a young developing striker. Or it can be used to shore up the defense or the wings as Robin Van Persie is ready to be the featured striker.
Wenger has proven he is a genius when letting go of players. Overmars, Anelka, Petit, Vieira, etc. The Patrick Vieira transfer to Juventus had one hitch, the fee was not even close to what Real Madrid offered for him the year before. I believe that the Professor is keen to avoid the same situation.
The Carling Cup run of the young Gunners have shown that they could be a better side without the captain. The football was flowing better as they were not looking for Henry. We all know about the other Gunners being gun-shy and would rather make another pass than kick it goalwards. The other players look up to him so much that sometimes their presence gets diminished. Without Henry, didn't the future look bright? I hope that future is this coming season
Au Revoir, Henry?
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