Wenger warns Barcelona to show respect over Henry

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told Barcelona to show respect if they are interested in signing striker Thierry Henry.

Wenger is upset by quotes attributed to Barcelona president Joan Laporta in English newspapers, particularly by his assertion that 'we will do all we can to sign Henry'.

"I am worried about it," Wenger told a news conference yesterday.

"If they want to sign him they have to call us up because he is under contract for another 18 months. I hope to do something about it because it is unfair and unsettling.

"It shows a lack of respect. I feel every chairman, be it from Barcelona or Doncaster, should respect the rules in football."

The French striker has delayed talks about a new contract until the end of the season, triggering concern among Arsenal fans that he wants to move clubs.

Wenger says no official complaint has been made by Arsenal and he is still uncertain about Laporta's intentions.

"I have to check if that (Laporta) statement was really made. If so I feel it's not very respectful to Arsenal Football Club.

"But I must speak to my directors about it."

Henry joined Arsenal from Juventus in August 1999 and became the top scorer in the club's history this season.

He has, however, suffered injury problems over the past year and is struggling to be fit to face Charlton Athletic in Arsenal's Premier League match on Monday.

"I don't know if he will play or not, he will be assessed on Saturday.

"He had a slight recurrence of Achilles pain, but there is no major problem. Ideally I want to play him," Wenger said.

Arsenal reached the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday by beating third division Doncaster on penalties, ending a run of three successive defeats.

They are now eighth in the Premier League, 20 points behind leaders and champions Chelsea.