I think it’s fair to say that Thierry Henry’s start at Barcelona hasn’t been a runaway success. Injury and average form have failed to spark life into a realistic La Liga bid and the rumour is that the French legend may want to make a swift return to Arsenal (Sky Italia).

Nine goals in 19 games would be a good return for many, but for a goalscoring machine like Henry it isn’t enough. In-fighting at the Nou Camp has also added stumbling blocks to Frank Rijkaard’s attempts to replace Real Madrid at the top of the pile. Recent quotes from 30-year-old Henry have added to the speculation of a potential return to north London.

The striker said: “It doesn't matter what happens with my new club, I will never find the same affection that I was shown at Arsenal, partly because I think I will never play for another squad for eight years – my legs won't let me. I have the club in my blood – I always follow Arsenal when they play and I'm happy when they win. To play for Arsenal for eight years, winning or losing at Highbury, the joy, the sadness, everything was simply incredible. You often return to the place that you belong and, therefore, I hope one day to be able to work with the club.”

‘Two Ronaldos at Old Trafford – now that would be some show. Except the Brazilian is more like Ronald McDonald these days.’


These comments have fuelled the already insane rumours about a £20million move. It’s safe to say that Henry will not play for any Premier League club other than the Gunners and they hardly need him as they sit top of the table with a fantastic array of striking talent.

Such is the nature of tabloid speculation that you basically just end up with a whole stream of untruths born from fantasy. An example of this is the fact that Tottenham are apparently already lining up a replacement for Dimitar Berbatov, even though he is yet to move from White Hart Lane. Apparently an £11m bid is on the table for Lyon’s Brazilian striker Fred (The Guardian).

If Berbatov does leave and the other three front men remain, is there a huge need to bring in another costly forward? Or wouldn’t it be better to use that cash for a quality defender of battling midfielder? Fred is a good player, but I don’t rate him higher than Robbie Keane or Jermain Defoe, so why pay that kind of money for him?

AC Milan are about to release chubby Ronaldo and many suitors are preparing to pick up a relatively cheap former superstar – including Man United and Liverpool, if the latest rumours are to be believed (various). Two Ronaldos at Old Trafford – now that would be some show. Except this one's more like Ronald McDonald these days.

Maybe the Brazilian World Cup winner could still be an asset, but he is unlikely to manage the job over an entire season. Younger players would no doubt be in awe of such a giant of the game but is this injury-ravaged lardo such a great example? He did manage seven goals in 14 Serie A games last season and just think of the merchandising benefits – but balance that against wages that are probably even more astronomical than his belt size. However, Ronaldo could still prove a wise investment, in much the same way as Christian Vieri is experiencing something of a renaissance at Fiorentina.

West Ham are trying a new tactic to lure long-time target Nicky Shorey to Upton Park and that is to offer Reading Bobby Zamora (will that help things? I am not sure!). Apparently Alan Curbishley would also have to offer £1m in cash to sweeten the deal for the England full-back (The Mirror)

Steve Coppell is doing his utmost to prevent his quality players from leaving and I think the idea that including Zamora into the deal would help matters is baffling. But former O’s man Shorey is bound to leave the Royals sooner or later to improve his England chances and West Ham seem a good fit.