Returning legend Henry to accept Arsenal offer... and he will wear No 12 shirt

By Sami Mokbel

Last updated at 12:15 AM on 30th December 2011

Thierry Henry has told Arsene Wenger he wants to accept Arsenal’s contract offer and play for them again.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Thursday that the Gunners had proposed a two-month loan deal for the striker.


Returning hero: Henry (right) is set to accept Arsenal's offer of a two-month loan

And the 34-year-old, who is Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer with 226 goals, has told Wenger he wants another stint at the club where he is idolised.

Sportsmail understands Henry will wear the No 12 shirt. His old No 14 shirt is currently taken by Theo Walcott.

Officials at the Emirates were on Thursday night waiting for the all-clear from his parent club, New York Red Bulls, before completing the paperwork.


Your number's up! But Henry used to wear the No 12 shirt for France

But Arsenal are understood to have agreed a suitable insurance package with the Red Bulls and will also cover all of Henry’s £70,000-a-week wages.


If everything goes according to plan, Arsenal hope to have the deal ratified when the transfer window opens on Sunday. Henry could make his second Arsenal ‘debut’ in the FA Cup third-round tie against Leeds United on January 9. Wenger wants him as cover when Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh go to the Africa Cup of Nations next month.


Plugging the gap: Henry comes in while Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh are away at the Africa Cup of Nations