Henry's goodbye panics Arsenal's transfer targets and dressing room

The 29-year-old striker gave Wenger's situation as a reason for leaving to join Barcelona and that has caused alarm among Arsenal's summer transfer targets, as well as creating panic in the dressing-room.

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Nicolas Anelka has been identified by Wenger as a possible replacement for Henry and the former Arsenal forward is said to be interested after what was described last night by sources close to the French striker as 'initial contact'.

But Anelka is said to be so alarmed by Henry's comments that he will seek assurances from Wenger that he intends to remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond the remaining year of his contract before committing to a move from Bolton.

Other targets could also be put off by revelations Henry made in his newspaper column on Saturday. Holland Under 21 forward Ryan Babel has talked of his desire to play for Wenger but any move from Ajax could also now be put on hold.

Wenger has hardly eased anxiety at Arsenal by refusing to commit himself to the club he has served for 11 years with such distinction beyond his current deal. The fact that he gave a ';guarantee' last month that Henry would not be sold this summer will also cause alarm.

But Henry's comments, while delivered with sincerity and honesty, appear to have caused the most damage and left the club in what former Arsenal goalkeeper and coach Bob Wilson described yesterday as a 'mini-crisis';.

In an open letter to Arsenal fans, Henry explained how he had chosen to sign a new contract 12 months ago — at a time when speculation was rife that he would join Barcelona — because of 'the two people who sat either side' of him "at the press conference".

"One year later the situation has completely changed," added Henry. "David Dein (former vice-chairman) is no longer there and there is no denying the fact that this has destabilised the team and the manager.

"Arsene has been an inspiration on my career. Unfortunately and understandably he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of this coming season.

"I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein."

Never has Wenger looked more likely to leave the club he joined early in September 1996 — and the fact that the man who could best persuade him to stay no longer represents the club should concern those who remain in charge.

Ousting Dein from the board for supporting a possible takeover by U.S. billionaire Stanley Kroenke could turn out to be one of the most serious errors of judgment in the club's history.

Not only have they now lost the finest player of the modern era, it could cost them their celebrated manager as well.

Yesterday, Wilson focused only on Henry and the impact his remarks could have on the Gunners' younger players.

"Arsenal are in a mini-crisis at the moment," Wilson told the BBC. "Thierry is one of the greatest players — certainly second or even the greatest — I've seen at Arsenal; thrilling in every respect.

"But my one worry is his suggestion that he partly left because he was unsure what Arsene was going to do in one year's time.

"I don't like the message that sends out to the youngsters in the squad. Arsene has built an amazing young squad but minds are very easily tipped when a senior player says something like that. I have no doubt Arsene will honour his current contract. Beyond that, I can't say."

Henry flew in a private jet to Barcelona last night and appeared for a brief photocall. This morning he will have a medical and this afternoon he is due to be unveiled at a press conference at the Nou Camp.

The venue will be the stadium's Paris Room, which presumably was named to commemorate their Champions League Final victory over Henry's Arsenal 13 months ago. Rather ironic in the circumstances.

As the player revealed on Saturday, he negotiated his terms of the £16million deal himself with the help of a current Barcelona player.

When it came to agreeing a four-year contract worth in the region of £130,000 a week, Henry, rather than his agent Jerome Anderson, met Barcelona finance director Ferran Soriano.

The last meeting was in London on Friday. "I will represent myself in this transaction," said Henry.

In an interview with Arsenal TV, Henry said he will be a "Gunner for life", adding: "Arsenal will always be in my blood and in my heart and I will always remember you guys.

"I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I didn't lie because once you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner.

The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever.

"I am going to miss everybody. It's going to be a huge miss. I will become now an Arsenal fan and look always for the result.

"I would like to thank everybody I have been involved with at Arsenal, especially the boss and Mr Dein."