Arsene threatens Barca action
Arsene Wenger is unhappy with Barcelona's public courting of Thierry Henry.
Arsene Wenger has hit out at Barcelona for their public courting of Thierry Henry, and has warned he would consider taking action against the Spanish side.Comments attributed to Los Cules president Joan Laporta indicate that Barca would do their utmost to secure the signature of the Gunners captain, as he is currently stalling on talks over a new deal with just 18 months remaining on his current contract.
After having to continually fend off talk of Patrick Vieira's departure until the midfielder finally left Highbury in the summer, Wenger has now been inundated with speculation linking his new skipper with a move to La Liga.
Whilst voicing some doubt over the authenticity of Laporta's reported comments, Wenger showed his displeasure at Barca's lack of tact and warned he may consider taking further action should they neglect to use official channels.
"I'm always a little bit suspicious about the statement I read," said Wenger.
"You know if I see them directly on TV I would consider taking action.
"It merits investigation as you say it is.
"I feel every chairman has a priority, his first is not to destabilise the other clubs and not to make a direct approach to any player unless he has gone through the club.
"At the moment as you know the press is always about headlines over Christmas a little bit more.
"There is not a lot of other football going on in other countries so I don't give it too much importance.
"But I feel especially amongst the clubs the priority is that you keep things quiet.
"Always one way when you want to buy players under contract you call the club, there's only one way to do it.
"If I want to buy a Barcelona player who is one-and-a-half years to go I call the club and ask them if they are ready to sell the player.
"It's as simple as that.
"It's not more complicated than that."
