BARCELONA are plotting a fresh £20million bid for Thierry
Henry. And the Catalan giants believe a renewed assault for the
Arsenal striker could finally pay off. The shock news came as
American tycoon Stan Kroenke snapped up 9.9 per cent of the club to
spark takeover talk.
Henry, 29, was wanted by Barca and Real Madrid last summer but the
Frenchman decided to stick with the Gunners. Now Nou Camp transfer
chief Txiki Begiristain is ready to test boss Arsene Wengers
resolve to hold on to his skipper.
Henry has already told club officials he wants to remain in North
London for the rest of his career. Yet Barcelona, who could lose
Samuel Etoo in the summer, plan to pressure Wenger into letting
Henry leave after going two successive seasons without a
trophy.
But Arsenal know they would still face a major problem if they sold
Henry without bringing in a top-class replacement. Kroenkes move
to buy a 9.9 per cent stake in Arsenal has made a takeover more
likely. The US billionaire, who owns MLS team the Colorado Rapids,
bought the stake from ITV.
He paid the broadcaster £65m which includes £23.1m for ITVs 50
per cent stake in the clubs broadband operations. Kroenke said
last night: Because of our long-time involvement in major sports,
we greatly admire Arsenal Football Club.
We appreciate the clubs outstanding legacy, sporting tradition,
and exceptional commitment of its supporters. The deal makes
Kroenke Arsenals fourth-biggest shareholder.
