Thierry Moves On

The big news today is that Thierry Henry is set to leave Arsenal and join Barcelona for 16 million pounds. It is a move that seemed inevitable over the past few weeks, and once Thierry has completed a medical, the transfer should be confirmed. In his explanation of the move, Thierry has cited the departure of David Dein, and the uncertainty over Arsene Wenger's future as part of his reason for moving, but this seems like some excuses on his part. The departure of a board member should not have an effect on the players, and Wenger is definitely staying another year at Arsenal so if Henry was that bothered, he could have waited another year. But, it would be sad to remember him for his exit, rather then for the sensational impact he made on the Premiership. He's a great player, and one that fans of other teams recognised as a true great, he will be sorely missed by Arsenal, and the Premiership. So where does this move leave Henry and Arsenal?

For Thierry, it is a chance to link up with Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Deco, Xavi and Inesta, players capable of creating chances with one touch, and Thierry will be there to finish those chances. Barcelona now look a whole lot more dangerous, and if they can find a player to protect their back 4, they will be pushing for the Champions League this season. Thierry is 29, and heading towards his twilight years, to him, this move is the chance to win the Champions League. If you asked any football fan who had more of a chance of winning the Champions League in the next couple of seasons, he would say Barcelona over Arsenal, 9 times out of 10. So Thierry has made the decision and I wish him all the best.

Over at Arsenal there may not be the crisis that everyone thinks there is. Wenger has a proven track record at knowing when to offload his top players so Arsenal fans should trust his judgement on this one. The board are now working with Kroenke to see what happens, and our transfer budget is starting to look pretty good. 16 million may not be the greatest amount for a player like Henry, but added to all the other transfer fees they have received all season, they have a fair bit of money to spend. If they continue the development of the youngsters and the board back Wenger in the transfer market to bring in a few quality and experienced players, then Arsenal will rise again and Wenger might sign a new contract. The most important thing for the board to do in the next few weeks, is to let Wenger know that any transfer target he wants, they will do the utmost to sign. Arsenal may not look strong at the moment, but come the beginning of the next season, they might have a few suprises up their sleeve.

Apart from Thierry, there are a few other bits of Transfer news. Gary O'Connor is on his way to Birmingham for about 2.65 million. He's a decent fox-in-the-box and could bag them a few goals this season. Rozehnal is on his way to Newcastle for about 3 millon. He's a central defender, which Newcastle definitely need, and he has International experience, but PSG didn't have a great season in the French Championship (15th out of 20) so I shall reserve judgement on Rozehnal till I see him in action.

So, Adios Thierry, good luck in Barcelona, the Premiership will be a lesser place without you. Adios all.