Arsenal Transfer Rumors: The Return of Thierry Henry

As often happens during the transfer season, a less than reputable source will throw out a tempting bone for the rest of the media to chew on. It really doesn't matter whether the rumor is grounded in truth or if it's the figment of a writer's imagination whose editors are desperate for page views, these things tend to spread like wildfire across a dry grassland. Such is the case this morning with a report from The Daily Mail claiming that Arsenal are about to offer New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry a two month loan deal to make a cameo-like return to the Emirates.

There are of course no reputable sources in the story, meaning it's flimsy conjecture at best built upon a foundation of reaching for conclusions based on the lone fact that Henry has been hanging around Arsenal for the past few weeks and that the club could use some help up front. Of course, that doesn't mean it couldn't happen considering fellow MLS start Landon Donovan is doing the same thing with Everton.

The real question for me is why would the Red Bulls agree to this? Henry is young at heart but his body is another story. They will desperately need their expensive star this coming season so allowing him to risk injury in the EPL for two months just doesn't seem like a logical move. Then again, could they really stop him if he wanted to make the deal?

Anyway, if you're bored, check out the Daily Mail's artfully done fluff piece filled with several YouTube videos and repeated proclamations of Henry's legendary status with the Gunners. It's sure to bring a tear to the eyes of all supporters of the North London club. As for a solid factual base, not so much...so of course Piers Morgan is talking about it.

For more on the Gunners, check out Arsenal blog The Short Fuse.