Milan ponder Henry bid
Milan are planning to enter the race to sign Arsenal striker Thierry Henry in the summer, according to reports in Italy.
The Rossoneri, having all but given up on the Scudetto race, are focusing their efforts on winning the Champions League this season but - with a tough test against Bayern Munich in prospect this month - the Italian giants are already beginning to plan their transfer policy for next term.
The ageing defence is in line for a complete overhaul, with Lyon’s Cris at the top of the list of candidates to marshal a rearguard that will be devoid of Jaap Stam, Billy Costacurta and Marcos Cafu next year.
Massimo Oddo of Lazio has also been marked out for a return to the club where he started his professional career, while Dida’s below-par performances could result in the return to favour of Christian Abbiati – currently on loan at Juventus – or the acquisition of Livorno’s promising goalkeeper Marco Amelia.
In midfield Milan look set to fight tooth and nail with Inter for the services of Lyon’s ball-winner Mahamadou Diarra, but it is in attack where they are planning their greatest coup – the purchase of Henry from Arsenal.
Henry has maintained that he wants to remain with the Premiership side and sign a new deal with the Gunners.
However, the World Cup-winning Frenchman is said to be growing frustrated with his side’s apparent decline and has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
Although beset by crippling injury problems this term, the Londoners have failed to compensate for the loss of captain Patrick Vieira to Juventus in the summer and have concentrated their recruitment policy on young players with potential rather than established stars.
As a result Arsenal are a side in transition, lying fifth in the Premiership and in danger of missing out on a Champions League berth next season.
Regardless of whether or not Arsène Wenger’s men finish fourth, Henry may decide to look elsewhere to achieve success in the tournament he has so far yet to come close to winning.
Milan would be prime candidates for the quicksilver forward, given their Champions League pedigree - the Rossoneri have won Europe’s premier club competition no fewer than six times.
However, they will have to contend with Barcelona, who have already expressed their admiration for the striker, and possibly also misfiring Inter.
Source: Football Italia
