With the record scorer for Arsenal currently training with his old club during the MLS off-season to keep his fitness up, it was assumed and seemed very likely that Thierry Henry would make like last season and re-join Arsenal for the third time, as cover for Gervinho, at the African Cup of Nations.

Indeed, several weeks ago Arsene Wenger and the press were making noises to suggest the deal was done and may even last until the end of the season. Such as Gooners assumed. There were mixed feelings. Some welcomed 'the King' back in any capacity, while others saw it as a short-term fix chosen in favour of an actual signing.

Ruled out

However, for whatever reason, Arsene Wenger ruled out the possibility of signing Henry on loan this January after the 1-1 draw at Southampton. The Frenchman's words were these:

"He is not ready, he has just come back from holiday anyway. At the moment we are not on that case."

He did add 'at the moment', but that seems fairly final.

It's unknown if this is simply because Henry isn't up to it at the moment, or if Arsenal have had movement on other attacking targets. Reports have suggested that Arsenal are in talks to sign Atletico's Adrian Lopez, while there have also been rumours of Theo Walcott 'signing da ting', or at least preparing to.

Either way, some people will be pleased, while others are disappointed that one of Arsenal's all-time greats will not be returning to where he belongs one more time.

Of course, Gervinho could be remaining in England for AFCON, hoping to claim the Golden Boot and Premier League title, but perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself.

Just to compare what Wenger was saying previously, here he is on Henry a few weeks ago:

"You know what Thierry gives you; he gives you hope, especially when he comes on, that is the most important thing.

"Thierry is a communicator, an extrovert, very intelligent. He can only give good advice to players because he was in their position when he arrived here.

"I think now this team has an exceptionally good character. There are not many flashy boys. What is the most important thing is not whether you are an extrovert, but what it means to you to do well, your job, your will to win."

You may argue Arsenal need hope more than ever, but let's hope this signals some January movement.

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