• Premier League

Mertesacker hopeful over Henry loan

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 29, 2011
Thierry Henry is still a favourite with Arsenal fans © Getty Images
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Per Mertesacker believes strike duo Thierry Henry and Lukas Podolski would make perfect acquisitions for Arsenal in January.

Mertesacker stated his admiration of both players as manager Arsene Wenger continues to contemplate a loan move for his former captain Henry, who has been training with the squad in London recently. Henry will not be back in competitive action with the New York Red Bulls until the opening of the Major League Soccer season next March.

The Gunners have previously been linked with Mertesacker's Germany team-mate Podolski, as Wenger looks for attacking cover when the transfer window re-opens. However, earlier this month, Wenger played down the prospect of a move for the Cologne forward.

"Henry has a lot of experience and he is a great opportunity for us, but I am not the manager and I do not know what is possible, for him or for us.

"In training, Henry shows his class and [it is good] to have him with us. He still has the same attitude he showed in a lot of games at Arsenal," Mertesacker said.

Mertesacker, 27, signed for Arsenal in the summer and has now settled into life in the Premier League. He feels Podolski, 26, is more than capable of making a similar transition.

"He is a powerful, great player, especially for the national team," said Mertesacker.

"He has scored a lot of goals, is a good striker with a very good finish. His left foot is unbelievable and I am a fan of him. The Premier League is a little different from the Bundesliga, but you get used to everything."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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