Is Thierry finally on his way to Barcelona for £17m?

The normally reputable magazine France Football announced on its official website that its cover story for today would reveal that an agreement has been reached between the Arsenal captain and the Spanish champions.

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See you soon?: Thierry Henry on his way to Spain

Henry has consistently denied he has any desire to leave the north London club he has served for eight years, insisting instead that he intends to finish his career under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.

But the report claims contact has already been made and Arsenal are now considering what would be a very tempting offer for a player who turns 30 in August.

It is understood the offer to Henry would be worth £140,000 a week — almost half as much again as his current Arsenal salary. It is for three years, with the option of a fourth.

Henry, who has three years left on the contract he signed little more than a year ago, was thought last May to be close to joining Barcelona but decided to remain at Arsenal after losing the Champions League Final to Frank Rijkaard's side in Paris.

Now, however, a move is said to be imminent, even if there is also thought to be mounting interest from AC Milan and a number of other suitors.

Henry had a frustrating season at Arsenal. Injury kept him on the sidelines for much of the campaign and the club's failure to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea may have also left the France striker disillusioned.

Add to that Henry's burning desire to lift the European Cup before he retires and the long-running transfer saga could yet conclude with a move to the Nou Camp.

Net gain: Henry watches tennis in Paris

Last night all parties were reluctant to confirm that any such progress had been made, even if Barcelona do look as though they could soon be searching for a replacement for Samuel Eto'o.

Relations between the 26-year-old Cameroon striker and Barca have disintegrated in recent months and he is almost certain to leave this month. Manchester United, Liverpool and Milan are keen to sign him.

However, Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o claimed on his club's official website he would welcome the Frenchman's arrival at the Nou Camp.

The Cameroonian told www.barcelona.com: "(Henry is) one of the best players in the world, and I always want the best players by my side.

"If the club decided to sign him, it would be welcome."