If Henry wants to go there is no point in trying to keep him The big issue now is Arsene may go as well now that is scary thought.

Barker, Camberley, UK

henry wanted to play for baraca, cos barca plays lyke arenal. but unlike arsenal, baraca have challenges arsenal could never give thierry. so in short, thierry was eager for a new challenge.

fierdaos, Singapore, Singapore

The thought and the realization of Thiery leaving Arsenal leaves a crushing blow in my heart, but I have to realize that Thiery has to make the best decision for himself.

There is a part of me that wants to see Thiery and Ronaldinio play together because I believe this is an opportunity to watch, experience and enjoy quality football at played its best. We all now have an opportunity to see greatness unfold in Barcelona and because of Henry, I will now have to follow Barcelona football;

That’s just life…

Hang on to your hats folks; I believe we are in for a thriller.

I am a Thiery, Arsene and Arsenal fan and forever will be regardless of what business deals are made.
Long live Arsenal! Long Live Thiery Henry! Long Live Arsene Wenger…!

Ade, Newburgh, Indiana, USA

henry made the right choice man even though all the arsenal suppoters loved u anyway good choice barcalona really need someone like the best player in the world and thats u

Daniel, penge/london, united kingdom

i am crying.....and helpless!!

Sadab, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The thought and the realization of Thiery leaving Arsenal leaves a crushing blow in my heart, but I have to realize that Thiery has to make the best decision for himself.

There is a part of me that wants to see Thiery and Ronaldinio play together because I believe this is an opportunity to watch, experience and enjoy quality football at played its best. We all now have an opportunity to see greatness unfold in Barcelona and because of Henry, I will now have to follow Barcelona football;

That’s just life…

Hang on to your hats folks; I believe we are in for a thriller.

I am a Thiery, Arsene and Arsenal fan and forever will be regardless of what business deals are made.
Long live Arsenal! Long Live Thiery Henry! Long Live Arsene Wenger…!

Ade, Newburgh, Indiana, USA

Henry has done his bid for the Gunners. I believe its time to inject new firepower in the Gunners' game. I will miss Thierry's wizardry but i too would not like to see my favorite club loose out on trophies because of our loyalty to "Titou".
ARSENAL MUST WIN AGAIN!!

Bryan, Nairobi, Kenya

As much as we want the two (wenger & henry) to a have great one wherever they'll go, as a life fan of arsenal i think they should have atleast redeemed the hopes of the younger players who have just come of age in football, the likes of Cesc, Adebayo, Clichy, Diaby and so on. Atleast finish the new season and help those boys to a level they can pick up and continue. Otherwise i feel this departure will crush their spirit and leave them frustrated too. Think about it. Long live Arsen, Henry and Arsenal!!

mike kamau (moss), nairobi, kenya

I feel Thierry is the greatest overall player on the planet. I will always adore him and his capacities. He has given and achieved so much for Arsenal. No doubt, he is Arsenal's greatest player of all time. However, I think this could also be the time to leave. Perhaps, he could have done that last season, in the process, making an indelible name for both himself and his fans, as the costliest football player ever, as at then, and maybe even now. But he characteristically demonstrated his unshaken love for the club by his eventual refusal, not minding the further fame and fortune that could have come his way.
Our manager, Wenger, whom I adore and have so much respect and regard for, as well, has not been helping matters. He has not been showing much interest in buying world-class, established players who can work alongside Henry to win trophies. So, the young man is frustrated, understandably.
I believe the time is right and ripe for Henry to go, and win more for himself.I LOVE HENRY

Ikenna Obodozie, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

wenger is going to barcelona and taking henry and fabergas! watch this space

rory burns, drogheda, ireland

Arsene Wenger is the greatest manager in the world and am sure he will do what is best for Arsenal,as he has always done. Henry is talismanic but the future of this club does not lie in him,whether he leaves or not I believe we need to sign new players. I dont like the way he passes the bark yet he has been part of this team. Am sorry to say but he missed two glorious chances in the champions league final. Although I adore Henry I also think he lacks the commitment that he had a few years back I also believe Gilberto is a better captain. If only he believed in Arsenal like Eboue,Toure and clichy we would be light years ahead. Lets not be blinded by his abilities and lets see whats best for the Gunners. Look at it this way, if we get Trezeguet and Eto'o, with or without Henry I believe we can challenge for anything.

Brian Kanyi, Nairobi, Kenya

Arsene Wenger is putting Arsenal in an ICU. The team has so many fans here in East Africa, all willing to see it victorious next season.If Henry leaves our hearts will cry out and we shall for the third year in a row be the laughing stock of the region. If only Henry could stay and other signings made things will be more encouraging. If the ICU status persists, Arsenal is headed to the relegation zone- looks like that's what Wenger wants. Please Henry, don't leave yet. Convince your boss to have more serious signings!!!

Dotty, Nairobi, Kenya

the truth is always bitter...i wish arsenall fc could read this..cos the truth is Arsene is the problem in Arsenal....how can you sell your best player at a time when you need trophies to inspire the club in the future? what is so hard in bringing in trez from juve, that dead ball specialist from porto..to beaf the mid field...give it one last season.cos it could be another trophyless season all over again....why cant people think of the fans...the club...has followers all over the world bcos of henry, walcot came cos of henry, mohrino was happy when henry said he's staying...he is only about 40 goals from the highest ever in english football....what better legacy for him...why wount chelsea sell terry, manu sell giggs, liverpool sell gerrard!! they gave him a fat new deal!!! in fact all of them!!

Emmanuel, lagos, Nigeria

i think that he should stay, but as an arsenal fan he has been very commited and should be allowed to move without difficulty. However, i think the transfer price should be more than 20 mil.

Jack , Manchester,

Please sell Gilberto too. Then only you can claim a complete young inexperienced team. Last year they lost four experienced players in Bergkam, Pires, Campbell, and Cole. This year they will allow Lungberg to leave for nothing and sell Henry and Gilberto. Then the circle is complete. Those who have some taste of Victory will be wiped out from the team. Good for Wenger who is planning to leave the club by next summer. Remember, this man killed the English spirit of the team earlier then killed the winning team by selling out experienced players. After selling Henry, am sure he will go for somebody who just turned 15 or 16 showing some skills, and wait for another 5-6 years then sell them cheaply to another teams... like Aliadire, Muamba, Bently etc. I can't understand why he is keeping William Gallas and Lehmann in the team? The are also old and experienced players. Sell them too and get some teenage boys to fight against talent and experience of Chelsea and ManU and Liverpool.

ForbetterArsenal, London, England

I love this quote from class of 68: "Henry, when fit, is the most exciting player in the world. In 40 years of watching the Arsenal i have never seen a better player in their red."

Put another way, in 40 years of watching Arsenal you've hardly had an exciting player of any kind to watch. I can personally remember at least 20 years of dumb, neanderthal football from Highbury before Wenger arrived and - admittedly - improved things.

So comparing Henry to that dross isn't such a compliment.

Anyway, he's off and there's no point in whining about it. The guy's already over the hill and Wenger knows he's crocked and will be until he hangs up his boots.

It's the end of an era. Wenger will be next. And you'll be back to route one again.

Sharkey, Miami Beach, USA

I have a feeling that not only Henry will go but Gallas will go with him. Barcelona need defenders and Gallas won't want to hang around without Henry at Arsenal. I hope Eto'o or Bojan Krcic comes to Arsenalas one of them will be a spare part at barcelona and we cannot let our best players leave without some serious rebuilding.

Mark, Newcastle, England,

Has everybody forgotten what Thierry Henry has done for the last 8 years at Arsenal???
Thierry Henry is the most sublime player in the world and probably THE best striker in the world on a good day, if Arsenal lose him, NO player can fill the void!! One slightly trying season does not discount the years of amazing football we have seen from this man!!!
If Henry goes the future of Arsenal looks bleak. The other Marquee players will soon follow suit..
Wenger needs to step up and STOP this deal going ahead immediately!! if he was going to sell him he should have done it last season when he may have got £40 million for Henry, £20 million goes nowhere in today's market!!
One slightly trying season does not discount the years of amazing football we have seen from this man!!!
Deep down Henry should realise that he owes the fans that fill those seats every week another crack this season. Lead like a Leader should, Commit to your team, and prove an example to the young players!!

Dave, London, UK

Sam from Cape Town is spot on (not about re-signing le sulk!) but about no one being bigger than Arsenal. Ian Wright used to pull on the shirt and love playing for Arsenal - he was a Gunner through and through when he played, that is why he was so adored. There was never a doubt he was a Gooner, and there was no flitation with moves abroud.

No doubt Henry is the more talented player - he's our greatest player in histroy - but his attitude and arrogance is not what the club needs as a whole, and i don't want to read about our captain being our captain 'for now'. Can you imagine the Tony Adams and Roy Keane's of this world coming out and saying that? No chance.

Alex, London,

\re u ppl mad. do u not realise wat thierry has done 4 the club and for the english league and ur askin him to leave quietly. i think ur not real arsenal fans if ur sayin things like that. thierry is my hero and if he leaves arsenal just think how many fans are oing to be devastated including myself. thierry please stay at arsenal and retire there and even MAYBE JUST MAYBE become our next manager. ( im not lying bout my name)

Alex thierry Rose, nottingham, england

I think Henry should stay, because i bellive Wenger will buy
one or two more superstar footballers to help arsenal win some silverwear next year. So with Henry there Arsenal will definitlly will have potencial to win champions leauge next year.

Jakup, Prishtina, Kosovo

U guys just gotta be real.Henry is an Arsenal legend,and must be respected for that.U get angry that he's leaving,forgetting that he's an individual with his own personal needs and desires.Most people would like new challenges,just like Henry.He stayed back last season mainly for the love of the shirt,but it looks like despite his injuries,his efforts were not appreciated,by most of you who even it's flirtation!When u see him partner Eto'o in Los Cules,then u'll realise what a pearl Arsnal's lost!
Bravo Titi!!!!!!!!!!!

Ngwalum, London, England

Wenger should be more active on the transfer market and he must buy star players.Henry should stay in Arsenal, but only with some new players who are prooved in the world of foodball.The young players are good but they will need some time to grow in "star players",and Henry don't have much time.Arsenal as a club must have a players on the bench who will give 100%,like their rivals have.It wiil be great if Henry decide to stay in Arsenal,but it's very important for Arsenal to buy two or three "star players" for wining the Premiership.Arsenal have great players,great tradicion,great fans and this club deserve to be at the "TOP".

Atanas Gorgiev, Shtip, Macedonia

Henry should go. His current prevarications are unsettling everyone. We risk losing our focus. Thierry you have been great - all the best but for now please leave quietly.

Albert Zuze, Vienna, Eustria

If Henry wants to go,let him go.Arsenal's biggest asset is Wenger,not Henry.We should be more worried about Wenger's conract expiring next summer than Henry's flirtations with Barcelona.

Bello, barnsley,

How many times has this happened before and how many times has Henry said that he wants to stay? I hope it's just the Spanish media trying lure him in he's always said before that he wants to remain an Arsenal player as long as Arsenal want him.

Michael L, Brooklyn, NY

Five generations of my family have been Arsenal Supporters. Through thick and thin win or loose. They have supported the Gunners. It was a game and the sportsmanship that counted. We used to sing and shout, now it is money and brawling, sad. I have enjoyed the football played under Arsene Wenger and would be very disappointed to see him leave the team. I am disgusted to read about Mr. Dein throwing his weight about and stomping off the board. Do we have to sell everything off to the highest bidder (Our Club)? True gunners enjoy the game of football win or loose.

Sutton Markham, Calgary, Canada

Being a Gunner fan i've mixed feelings about all this. When i saw Ian Wright play 4 Arsenal i thought there wont be any better striker, then came Anelka [what a genius he was]. Afta came Henry. Who knows who the next big thing will be? No-one is bigger than Arsenal, if anyone thinks Gunners arent ambitious let that lot pack his bags & go,we'll remain with TRUE-GUNNERS, who r commited to our cause.
Arsenal need a left-wide midfielder and maybe a genuine striker "IF" Henry leaves.
[Food for thought: IF & WHEN HENRY LEAVES WHY NOT RE-SIGN ANELKA?HE's AN OUT&OUTRIGHT STRIKER]

Sam , Cape Town, South Africa

It would be a pity to see Titi go, but if he wants to leave he should be left to move on. Wenger will certainly unearth another gem. What ever Henry finally decides, one gets the impression that his best years are behind him. Thanks for the memories.

Irvine Kanyemba, Lichinga, Mocambique

Henry shud stay at Arsenal!!He's class but the team depend to much on him..

Luke Kelly, Clara, Ireland

dear sir arsene wenger was nowhere near paris last week does mat hughes go to bed and dream up these storys i suggest he should check his facts or hes reliable sources a total summer journalist story.

len howden, ilford, uk

Perhaps if one newspaper could give me a geniune quote from any of these articles, I may be inclined to take it seriously.

Christian , London, uk

It will be a big big (can't stress this enough) shame to have Henry leave. Wenger, I believe is a man that doesn't hold a player back against his will. Hence, if Henry leaves, it'd be because Henry wanted to.
Some reasons Henry might decide to leave are obvious
1. He is great player and he wants his achievement to speak this as well. On the international level, he has achieved all there is to. He certainly wants a similar level of success at the club level.
2. He doesn't percieve that Arsenal's policy will enable him do this because of the lack of time-tested quality that currently pervades the squad.
3. He is getting old and there's a chance begging on the door for him to fulfil this dream by joining Barca (bigger club, better position financially than arsenal and time-tested quality pervades the squad - recipe 4 success).
But why should he stay - possibly achieve a legendary status at arsenal (he has that), win d premiership (he's done it before), only d UEFA CL eludes him now

Namo, London,

Firstly, In Barca..something would have it give. You can't a forward line of Ronaldinho-Eto'o-Henry-Messi. Barca would likely lose a lot of games in this format. If Henry comes in, Either Ronaldinho or Eto'o would have to go. Barca priority should be on defensive replacements becuase throughout the season Zambrotta, Oleguar, Thuram, Puyol, Marquez have all looked very shaky and in some cases horrible.

As for Arsenal, it may be time for Henry to go. Firstly, he is not suited for the captaincy. The captaincy was given to keep him happy, and it hasn't done that. Gilberto is a good captain, but Toure is better. Secondly, Henry's game doesn't seem to complement Van Persie's game..they both very similliar. One has to go, and I would keep Van Persie. What Arsenal need is a poacher, not necessarily a create forward in the sense of Henry or Bergkemp. I wish we would have gone after Toni...he would have been a great fit at Arsenal....

Amish, Toronto, Canada

As a Barcelona fan I think it would be a great buy. He could temper Eto'o big mouth and would bring competitiveness.
Alex from Spain, I see your comment very interseting, because your last sentence reveals yourself as a Real Madrid supporter, it seems like if you were a little bit afraid.
Good sign it would be a great buy.

Dani , Barcelona, Spain

GO MANU LOL...MADRID, MADRID, MADRID...

YAQUI, HERMOSILLO, MEXICO

If TH14 were to leave, Arsenal better use that money to invest in at least 2 quality players to lead their inexperience attack. IF he is sold, getting Quaresma is a MUST. Arsenal doesn't have players like Q that are naturally gifted wide players. He would add an extra dimension to the squad. Babel's name keeps coming up, but I'd prefer Q. No more of this youngster signings like Havard Norveidt coming today.

Honestly, my gut feeling is Henry's not leaving. He had a heart to heart talk with AW but what the future holds for Arsenal, and rightfully so. The man is 30 years old already and he wants to see some progress. When you lose players like Vieira bring in players like Hleb and Baptista, of course you're going to be irked. Time to bring in the big guns. If it's true 40 million pounds are available to AW, then do your best to improve the squad and to keep Henry.

JP, San Francisco, USA

I would not sign fernando torres, i am an atletico fan and i think that samuel is a much better striker than torres. Anyway i dont think of Eto´o signing for Arsenal. Villa would fit in Arsenal perfectly but you will have to spend a lot of money to sign him. Good luck

Hugo, Mérida, Spain

Arsenal have lost momentum in the last couple of years - the main reason being the destabilising influence of all those pristine roubles at Chelsea - and Henry has lost his best mates in the squad. So his heart is no longer in it which is not acceptable for the club captain. Selling him is the only answer that makes sense. Gilberto would make a far better captain. The Gunners' squad can then be rebalanced with the cash - more width and more options up front. Time to move on.

James, London,

I am of the Barcelona and think that Henry has many years to come to a club as big as the Barça. He has been a good player but nowadays it is not even the half of what was. It is necessary to reinforce the defense, the forward and the midfield is perfect. To reinforce the defense!
Forgive my terrible English

Nuria, Cádiz,

It's amazing how much grief Arsenal fans have had to endure over the past two seasons when it comes to transfer time. Last year Henry says, "My heart is with Arsenal”, “I can’t leave the fans,” and “I will be an Arsenal player for life”. How a year of discontent can change one’s mind.

I don’t see Barcelona or AC Milan fans having to go through the daily grind of wondering if Ronaldinho or Kaka’ will leave and are uncertain about their future at their respective clubs.

Spare us the grief, Thierry…if your heart doesn’t bleed red & white like you lead us to believe, adiós…

Kevin, Sydney, Australia

Thiery Henry hasn't said that he wants to go, so I find this whole story funny. I put it to you that Henry will be and will remain an Arsenal player next season and beyond. His importance to the team can not be questioned. Wenger,the board and the real GUNNERS know this fact. Wenger will be stupid to let IGWE leave after the bitter lessons caused by the departure of our top class players for the last two seasons. Be patient GUNNERS because one bad season out of eight is not enough to condemn your all time top goal scorer. He will come by and you will be singing his name again. TRUST ME.

BONEGUNNER, Omoku, Nigeria/Rivers State

Re: Alex, Ukraine.
Its easy to see it that way, but i beleive that Wenger, like all top coaches, will not commit ahead of next year in order to negotiate transfer funds year after year. He has committed the club to a very risky strategy that depends on him staying for 5 years minimum - AW is too concientous a man to walk away from the club, as the team would implode.

As for henry - let him go. Talk of trezeguet coming muddies the waters somewhat but our most exciting forward is RVP, who incidentally is a close friend of 'the next Henry' Ryan Babel (who has declared his love for Arsenal and AW). We have had the best of Henry, no question - lets just make it as clean as possible, so we can make him regret leaving next season like we did Viera 2 seasons ago.

Tyler, Bangor, Wales

Let him go! He's past his best and the injuries of last season indicate that he won't ever be the same player that helped take the Gunners to Champions League Final. Look what happened to Viera! If Wenger is going into these discussions it's because he already has a Plan B and is aware that Henry is now becoming a liability. There is no doubting Henry's massive contribution to Arsenal during his time at the club, but there is a huge question mark over his fitness and desire to play with the youngsters coming through. With or without Henry, Arsenal are sure to blow everyone away next season. Cue - Theo Walcott!

Guy Stevens, London, UK

it is the arsenal way to sell great players after a few years great service, and to go with the young blood. And if the timing is right, there is no better plan.

Henry is the extreme case, and I will be sad to see him go, but business-wise its good. As long as Arsenal retain Champions League football each year, this will service their debt very well. And there is great young blood at the club.

Now to find someone else to score the 30 goals/season....can Robin van Persie do it? I hope so...

Neil, Eindhoven, Netherlands

I believe that Henry is one of the best football players of our time, if not of all time and i feel the same way about Ronaldinho. The combination of these 2 players plus Eto'o and Messi would make a huge powerhouse in the football world. I definately think Henry should make the move to Barcelona. I do enjoy watching Arsenal and Henry, but I feel like it's what's best for Henry and the game itself.

Dane, Annville, United States

I support Barcelona and it would be amazing to have Henry, Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Messi in the same team. I don't think they'll play 4-2-4 system but a 4-3-3. Ronaldinho will play instead of Iniesta together with Xavi and Deco, as he does with Brasil and then Eto'o, Henry and Messi will play as strikers. Deco and Xavi are not just defensive mildfielders at all, they can create and organise the team as they have been doing these last seasons. I think this would be one of the best teams in the history of football. I really hope we sign Thierry.

Marta, Valencia, Spain

Mr Wenger and the board,

Us fans want to see more goals next season, let Henry go by all means, but please bring us in a world class goalscorer or we are sunk. Surely you must see this!!!

Dan, London,

Nice comment, Alex. Have you seen any football match in the last ten years? Sorry, but you know nothing about this sport.

Felipe, Buenos Aires, Argentina

I feel sorry for the king of goals trying to let his ego diminish for a little plate of soup, it is better to remain a king rather chasing to be among inconsistence prince(s) who can not defend their worth. Henry you are born great, stay with the GREAT TEAM

kaycee, plumstead, London

I live in Spain and I'm a Barça supporter. I can't believe this swap is really on. A fading diva in return for a young guaranteed 25-goal-a-year man with 8 years of top-level football ahead of him? No thanks!! It's madness. This is a knee-jerk reaction from Barça after throwing away the league. They feel they have to be seen doing something. Bring on the big names. We're still in business. Hog the headlines. In pure footballing terms it's sheer idiocy. If it came off I'd be so shocked and peeved that I'd have to find another team to support. OBVIOUSLY it couldn't be Real Madrid. Valencia . . . ? Sevilla . . . .
Say it ain't so Joe

Dave Langlois, Cáceres, Spain

we have these Henry is off stoires every season. Whilst I respect Matt Hughes as a journalist, there is not one quote in the piece from any key party who woul,d be involved in the transfer. Further more Arsene Wenger's whereabouts have not been verfiied and thierry henry himself is in America. The story is speculation and conjecture

chris, London,

Sell him. He is on longer a top player. He is beginning to lose his touch and the ball to many times. Take the money.

Amos Freeman, Henderson, USA, NV

I'm beginning to think its better if he goes but only on the condition that we have a decent replacement lined up. Like the Vieira saga, its dragged on for too long to do anyone any good. Henry wantsa new challlenge, we need funds for new players. There's risk a Gallas would want out too but it's an opportunity to build a great young team with Gilberto as captain.

Mark, Newcastle, England,

In my opinion Henry shouldn´t go to Barcelona, he is a great scorer and Barcelona is not that good team that won champions league last year. Ronnie is probably joining Milan and Deco is nearer to Inter thant never before. Without them, Barcelona will be as usually a second-rater.

Alex, Spain, Spain

I'm very happy only with the possibility, I'm partner to Barça and I never thought be able to see those together attackers in a football ground… will be brilliant!

Pep, Barcelona, Spain

Looks like he will be off this time but regardless we need to be in the bidding for a proven Premiership striker like Darren Bent who would fit in and is very likely to bag 20+ goals a season. This could be the difference between being genuine title contenders and candidates for 5th place behind Spurs, and is basically what cost us dearly last season.

Marc, Manchester, Cheshire

All too sadly, I can see Henry's departure as the first move in what may become something of an exodus from Arsenal over the next 18 months - first Henry, then Wenger, and Cesc has said that if Wenger goes, he will depart as well, which really would be bad news, as Cesc is the engine room of the team. But there could be a better bet - perhaps approaching Big Sam Allardyce for Michael Owen's services might be worthwhile, as Owen is unlikely to figure highly in the new regime, and when properly fit has proved many times how deadly he is in the 6-yard box - excatly what we need!

Rob Stebbing, Romsey, UK

This is the beginning of the end of an era,it started of with Viera..the
biggest mistake Wenger made was by selling him.Viera has been
irreplaceable.And now if Henry goes i think wenger will follow him next season.I feel Wenger is not in total control at Arsenal after Dien
left,Keith Edelman and co. are busy consolidating their positions at arsenal and Wenger looks to be feeling the pressure.
Arsenal needs the cash to be competitive,i see a long barren run
of trophy less seasons for the Arsenal.Feeling really depressed today.

kyle, london,

Henry stop all this, we are tired of it, but remember how you came to the club, do not loose your kingship because of a little plate of soup. REMAIN THE KING

kaycee, plumstead, London

If Henry decides to go to Barca then I would prefer to see Gudjohnnsen, rather than Eto, coming to Arsenal. Sure, he does not have the pace of Eto, but he has got great feet and calmness in front of goal which Arsenal lacked last season. He's still relatively young and would be a helluva lot cheaper than Eto. Alas it looks as if United are already lininh him up in a player exchange deal.

Brian, Dublin,

Arsenal, i feel are regressing....Henry still has his best too come,30 is when most footballers peak and if arsenal don't get that i am really sorry...i feel arsenal are regressing to a mid table level side and next season the lack of quality will show.Makes me wonder why
the arsenal board is soo anti kroenke ,its better too have Kroenke heading arsenal than a bunch of elitist Englishman who are hell bent on retaining some form of authority.very depressing times for gooner.

vasu chander, dublin ohio, United states

Oh and please make sure that whatever happens we have a striker for the Emirates Cup. We wanna see some goals!!!!

Dan, London,

Something will have to give at Barca. At present they play a 4-2-3-1 system. Now it looks as though they'll be playing virtually a 4-2-4 system, with both the midfield players being defensive midfielders in Xavi and Iniesta. Where's the craft coming from in midfield? What will happen with Deco?

As for buying Torres; if there's a more overrated player in european football I've yet to see him. It would seem as though the managers of the bigger clubs agree, as there haven't been any serious bids for him in his time at Atletico.

cotumely, london,

Obviously disappionting to hear but there is no use in having a less than 100% commited player.
Fernando torres would be an excellent replacement and would fit in well with van persie rosicky and cesc.
If we could do a straight swap for eto'o (no extra ten million) that sounds interesting but not sure about eto'os mentality and ability to cope with the premiership's pace and these guys the media!

Martin jones, islington,

No problem. He is a shadow of the player he once was, even then highly over-rated. The fact his heart used to be in arsenal what made him- This is now gone. Let him move away and Arsenal will grow. In Robin Van Persie we have a player who technically walks all over Thierry henry.

Au revoir

radioactive, london,

He's as good as gone, Wegner going, and it's all gone Pete for the gooners.

C. Dent, London,

As a Spurs fan, I hope Henry stays in London, along with Arsene whiner .

When the balance of power swings next season, I don't want my gooner mates using departures as excuses.

Jeremy, Farnham,

I don't think Henry will move to Baca.
They just want more money to sign some big names,so they push the club by this mean.

Kim Kenyon, changsha, china

I would be sad to see Henry leave the club..he is truly the greatest Arsenal has seen..he has entertained fans weekend after weekend and am sure will continue doin so..i rather see him leave this year as we will have Wenger bring in a suitable replacement and season him ..as it will be disaster to see both Henry and Wenger depart next season..my mind is actually only on Wenger extending his contract...which i am hoping he will ..

Prads, Bangalore,

We'll be pleased to have Henry here in Barcelona next year. But, after listening an interview with Xavi (one of the captains of the FCB), I think Eto'o will be here next year as well. I agree with Moyo, Barcelona MUST reinforce the defense.

Visca el Barça y visca Catalunya

Jordi Culé, Barcelona,

I think that Henry have to be more open on his future or position now, whether he want to stay at Arsenal or he want move to Barcelona.

Jae Hyun , Surrey , United Kingdom

Sell him, he is of no use, sitting on the bench. Every team moves on from a single super star player... Perhaps this is just the kickstart Arsenal need.

Abid Khan, Milton Keynes,

Nonsens Mr. Hughes. Patrick Vieira did not want to leave Arsenal when he was sold. He was settled and looking to finish his career with them. You only had to look at him as he was unveiled at Juve to see that he didn't want to be there. Wenger sold him because he was less effective during the 1004/05 season, and was failing to impose himself in the crucial, final quarter of key games. If Wenger decides to sell Henry it will be because he feels that the future development of his team would be served by not having Henry there and by using the money to sign someone else. If you polled Arsenal season ticket holders you will probably find that a large majority are happy to see Henry go. He was World No 1 when he had Vieira, Pires & Bergkamp, but in the team of Fabregas, Rosicky, Van Persie, Hleb he is not so effective, in fact he interrupts the team's flow.

Neil, London, UK

We want a deal Henry- Eto'o

SPiFF, Barcelona, Catalunya

I bealieve its the end of a great era, unfortunately. After the departure of David Dein and Wenger claims of only one more year at the helm, we're losing one more integral part of the team and club as a whole. Could it be any worse??? The replacement for Henry is impossible, for now at least it seems like it. The captain, the leader and the most expierienced player in the squad-he's invaluable for Arsenal. Let's hope for the best, anyway. That is all thats left for us - Arsenal fans. Let's hope he returns from his holidays and decides to stay at the club. If not, however, we'll have another trophyless season...

Alex, Kherson, Ukraine

Henry will go to Barcelona and Eto'o won't come to Arseanl, because he will definitly look for success and move to Milan or Liverpool. Arsenal can swap Henry for Ediur Goodjonson, whom Barca wan't to dump. Don't think that Wenger will spend more than 10 million for any striker even if it is Eto'o or RVN or Torres or Villa. He will end up in some cheap French alternative. By offloading Henry, he will help Aresnal to save nearly 5 million a year. If he buy players like Eto'o, he has to shellout more money for salary, that he won't prefer and will go for some very young player as replacement.

SackwengerNow, Monterrey, Mexico

Its really sad to hear that, After 2 years of desperation every gooner would dreamed of Arsenal come back for the season ahead. Now its in question?

Anil, Bangalore, India

Think Anthony doesn't have a clue. Henry, when fit,is the most exciting player in the world. In 40 years of watching the Arsenal i have never seen a better player in their Red.
Will be sick to lose him but can't keep putting up with his ambivelance.

Class of 68, london,

We need a proven Premiership striker to replace Henry who will almost certainly now leave I believe. Why are we not pursuing Darren Bent who would fit in well and who is very likely to deliver 20+ goals which could be the difference between a genuine title challenge and finishing 5th behind Spurs next season?? Without an out-and-out goal-scorer, we will be nowhere next season (after all, that's what has cost us last season).

Marc, Manchester, Cheshire

This is nonsense. All speculation. He aint going anywhere. Mark my words.

Dr P Mulay, Wadebridge Cornwall,

Perhaps there's more to these rumours then, hmm.

Personally, I'm less a fan of Henry but recognize that quite a formidable attack could be made for Thierry to pair with Eto'O, Ronnie and Messi at the Nou Camp.

Who wouldn't want to see that, eh?

Anthony, NYC,

Great! You have one moody Brazilian (Ronaldinho), a corrosive Cameroonian (Eto'o), and to top of it all the possible inclusion of a sulking Frenchman (Henry). There will be more drama in the Barcelona dressing room than if you put Posh Beckham, George Galloway and Roy Keane in a room.

Jonathan, Costa Mesa, CA, USA

this time it seems to become true...

Onetouch, ChengDu, CHINA

If Henry finally leaves Arsenal, I will be very sorry, and the young team will lose another experienced player after losing Patrik Viera. What Arsenal needs is a real leader. I don't think Eto'o's transfer will be a good bargain for the North London Club. What a pity!

benny, Chengdu, China,

but we wont

sack the board

Alastair Kinnaird, Liverpool,

Barcelona Would have the most Dangerous Forwards in the world and would be very dangerous in the campions league but they must realize that they must find better defenders (besides puyol and Zambrotta ) to complete a GREAT team

MOYO, ValleyStream, New York

if we get et'oo i'm happy

Alastair Kinnaird, Liverpool,

I would only consider this deal if Henry really wants to go, which i have to say from Jerome Anderson's quotes that I don't think he has agreed a deal yer. If he does want to leave we should try and drive a hard bargain to get Eto'o ready made replacement, but my preference personally would be to take the £20m and then reivest in getting Fernando Torres, he's more a stable character than Eto'o would fit in to the group better, would also stabilise Cesc's position and he may be stagnating slightly at Atletico he still has the ability to score any sort of goals and he has everything but has never really put it all together as of yet. So Wenger... Big decisions to be made...

Dave, London,

Iam so sad

curtishyatt, Kingston, JAMAICA

Eto'o for Henry, seems like a logical choice and both clubs would benefit.

Andrew, Worthing, United Kingdom