Real reject Real Henry rumours

Benito Floro admits Thierry Henry is unlikely to join Real Madrid.

The talismanic Frenchman is yet to commit his future to Arsenal, with Barcelona and Madrid waiting in the wings if he elects to seek pastures new.

Barcelona are thought to hold the edge if indeed Henry decides that his future lies away from the UEFA Champions League finalists, with Floro conceding that Madrid are unlikely to be his next port of call.

Real tried to lure Arsenal's captain earlier in his career, in 1999, and having rejected their overtures then, Floro cannot envisage that the player's mindset has changed since.

''When Henry was 25 (he was in fact 21) he didn't think a move to Real Madrid was the best option,'' said Floro.

''If he didn't have the will then, I don't think he will have it now.''

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he remains confident that Henry will be joining him at the club's new ground next season.

Keen to reiterate that Henry still has a year left on his current deal, Wenger believes Arsenal's supporters can look forward to seeing their favourite son next season.

"I cannot end the rumours. I've tried for a certain amount of time without success," Wenger told France Football magazine.

"Do not forget Thierry is under contract until 2007. I think the next two seasons will be his best.

''I hope it will be Arsenal who will benefit from this. Maybe everybody does not have this hope. I have it."