Frank Rijkaard, the Barcelona coach, has made Thierry Henry, the Arsenal forward, his main transfer target this summer. “The player that interests me is Henry,” Rijkaard said.

However, Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said that the club have no need to sell players, despite finances being tight at Highbury. “I haven’t planned to buy too many players and to be busy (in the transfer market) would mean we were under tremendous stress to sell players, which we don’t want to do,” he said. “But if we can find someone who can bring an addition to our quality, we will do it.”

Chelsea deals

Chelsea have offered Lenny Pidgeley and Steven Watt new deals but released four of their reserve-team colleagues. Watt, 20, a defender, made his first-team debut in the FA Cup third-round tie against Scunthorpe United while Pidgeley, 21, a goalkeeper who had a spell on loan at Watford in 2003-04, came on as a substitute in the final home league game of the season, the 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic. Those released are Sebastian Kneissl and Danny Woodards, both forwards, and Ben Hudell and Sam Tillen, who are left backs.

Carroll too dear

Paul Jewell, the Wigan Athletic manager, has ruled out a move to tempt Roy Carroll, who was released by Manchester United last week, back to the JJB Stadium. Jewell sold Carroll to United for £2.5 million four years ago but said: “If he turned down £20,000 a week at United, it’s hardly likely that he will be coming here. But I am looking to bring in another goalkeeper. John Filan will be our No 1, but we need to strengthen in that area.”

Wise in demand

Harry Redknapp, the Southampton manager, is keen to bring Dennis Wise to St Mary’s, 20 years after the former England midfield player walked out on the club. Wise, 38, left Southampton after a row with Lawrie McMenemy, the manager at the time, after completing his apprenticeship. “I would love to bring Dennis Wise here,” Redknapp said. Wise is also considering offers from Crystal Palace, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers.

Wright move

Peterborough United named Mark Wright as their new manager yesterday as they prepare for life in Coca-Cola League Two. The former England and Liverpool centre half has been jobless since leaving Chester City last summer, a day before their return to the Football League. Barry Fry, the owner who has stepped down as manager, had 91 applications for the position but decided to give Wright the task of helping the club to return to League One.

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