Barcelona targets Henry

FC Barcelona is reportedly keen to sign Arsenal striker Thierry Henry at the end of the season.

FC Barcelona is reportedly keen to sign Arsenal striker Thierry Henry at the end of the season. Barcelona president Joan Laporta was quoted by Catalunya Radio this week as saying he was "finalizing the signing" of the France forward.

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Meanwhile, sports daily Mundo Deportivo said on Thursday that Barcelona has yet to make a firm bid for Henry but is considering offering him a lucrative, three-year contract.

The 29-year-old rejected a move to Barcelona after Arsenal's defeat by the Catalan club in the Champions League final a year ago, choosing to extend his contract with Arsenal to 2010. However, the recent departure of Arsenal vice president David Dein has led to doubts about whether Henry will stay beyond this season.

Henry, who has been sidelined over the past two months with a stomach and groin injury, has linked his future with Arsenal to that of team coach Arsene Wenger, a close friend of Dein. Reports have suggested Henry would replace Samuel Eto'o, who Barcelona is said to be willing to sell at the end of the season. Manchester United, Liverpool and AC Milan are reportedly interested in the Cameroon striker.

Barcelona, Spanish champion the last two seasons, again leads the league with five games remaining and is also challenging to win the Copa del Rey for the first time since 1998.

However, the team's displays have been less impressive this season, prompting suggestions there may soon be changes in personnel.