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English Premiership defenders can rest more easily with news that Thierry Henry is leaving Arsenal to join Barcelona.
The French striker confirmed the move, subject to a medical, in a deal worth ¬24 million.
"I still must pass a medical on Monday but, yes, I have chosen Barcelona,"
Henry told French sports daily L'Equipe yesterday. "I will sign there for the next four seasons."
Reports out of England last night suggested Gunners boss Arsène Wenger brokered the sale of the club captain with Barcelona.
Henry's signing ends a year-long saga. Last summer, he was close to moving to Barca only to sign a new four-year deal at Arsenal and pledge that he would lead them into the new Emirates Stadium and finish his career with the club.
However, a number of factors have unsettled him and the impact of the departure of David Dein should not be underestimated.
The 29-year-old will join Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o in one of the greatest strikeforces ever assembled but Barca is likely to let some quality players go.
If striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is released, he reportedly is keen on a return to the English Premier League. Having had spells with Bolton and Chelsea, the Icelandic forward would adjust quickly to the English league and clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle might be interested.
Argentinian forward Javier Saviola is out of contract at Camp Nou and reportedly is unhappy that he doesn't get many starts.
He spent two seasons on loan at Monaco and Sevilla having joined Barca from River Plate in 2001.
Henry's arrival would mean even fewer chances of starting for Barca and he could move to another Spanish club or return to his homeland.
Despite beating Barcelona to the Spanish league title with a late surge, Real Madrid might also react to Henry's arrival into Spanish football by attracting some big stars.
David Beckham is on his way to Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy and the club has said farewell to other "galacticos" - Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos.
The Independent reported last night that Wenger is seriously considering a move for Newcastle United's Obafemi Martins, who has a £13 million buy-out clause in his contract, as a replacement for Henry.
Fellow Newcastle striker Michael Owen also has a buy-out clause and is available for £9 million. He is said to be another target, along with Ajax's Ryan Babel and Lyon's Florent Malouda.
- AGENCIES, INDEPENDENT
