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Mertesacker would welcome Henry

Image: Thierry Henry: Could return to Arsenal on a short-term loan deal next month

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes Thierry Henry would be a worthy addition to the squad if he returns on loan in January.

Stopper also keen to see Podolski join the Gunners

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes Thierry Henry would be a worthy addition to the squad if he returns on loan in January. The chances of the former France striker returning to North London on a short-term loan deal appear increasingly likely as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his frontline next month. The Gunners boss is keen to ease the burden on star frontman Robin van Persie, with fellow forwards Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh set to go to the African Cup of Nations. New York Red Bulls man Henry, who enjoyed an illustrious eight-year stint with Arsenal earlier in his career before joining Barcelona, has been training at London Colney during the Major Soccer League off-season. Mertesacker has been impressed by the Frenchman in training and feels he is far from past his best. The German stopper said: "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."

Podolski

The Gunners have also been heavily linked with Cologne striker Lukas Podolski and Mertesacker is keen to see his compatriot make the move from Germany to North London. "He is a great player, especially for the national team," said Mertesacker, who along with goalscorer Podolski was part of the Germany team which dumped England out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. "He is a good striker with a very good finish. His left foot is unbelievable and I am a fan of him. "This year, he has scored a lot of goals. He is powerful as well."

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