Wenger and Barca begin talks for Henry transfer

Arsène Wenger has signalled his willingness to sell Thierry Henry by entering into negotiations with Barcelona for the first time.

The Arsenal boss met Ferran Soriano, the Spanish club's financial director, in Paris this week for preliminary discussions, according to reports in The Times.

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Wenger wants to sign Samuel Eto'o as part of the deal, but Barca are reluctant to allow the Cameroon striker to leave despite his problems at the club this season.

Eto'o has fallen out with Frank Rijkaard, the coach, and Ronaldinho, his team-mate, but this week spoke of his desire to stay at the Nou Camp and play alongside Henry, 29, whose arrival would represent a greater threat to the Brazil forward.

Eto'o is a close friend of Henry and the pair have spoken recently about the prospect of forming a new strike partnership.

Even if Barcelona were willing to release Eto'o in order to secure Henry's services, they would demand at least £10 million from Arsenal to complete the deal. AC Milan are also interested in Henry, but Barcelona would be his preferred destination.

Barcelona are expected to make a preliminary offer next week of £15 million and with Arsenal's asking price £20 million, the parties are not too far apart.

The negotiation of Henry's personal terms may not prolong the process as Barcelona have prepared a three-year contract offer worth £7 million a year with an option for a further 12 months.

Henry was close to joining Barcelona last summer after playing in the 2-1 Champions League final defeat against them.

Henry joined Arsenal in 1999 and although he has been the centre of many transfer rumours, he has never publicly stated he will leave the club.