Arsene Wenger will look to ex-striker Thierry Henry for help when he bids for Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdez.

El Mundo Deportivo believes the Frenchman will speak to the Spanish international about a summer move to the Emirates. The 35-year-old Henry spent three seasons at the Nou Camp and has a good relationship with Valdez.

Victor Valdez
Reuters

The north London club has Polish international Wojciech Szczesny as No 1 for now but Wenger is reportedly losing confidence in the 22-year-old. Valdez may be 31-years-old but he comes with an enormous amount of experience - in the Spanish league, the Champions League and with the Spanish national team.

The Barcelona goalkeeper has already confirmed he will not renew his contract, which expires in 2014. The Spanish press believe that although Barcelona have made no public statement, privately they have conceded defeat in the battle to retain Valdez.

Arsenal have also been linked with Liverpool No 1 Pepe Reina, Stoke City's Asmir Begovic and Genoa's Mattia Perin; the latter's agent has confirmed the Gunners interest but warned potential suitors they will have to pay approximately £17m to sign his client.

And should Henry be able to help in discussions with Valdez, it is likely the striker will also have a word with another former team mate - David Villa.

The ex-Valencia striker was heavily linked with a January transfer to Arsenal but that fell through after Barcelona refused to release him mid-season. The Spain international is, reportedly, still a subject of interest for Wenger.

Bayern Boss on Schweinsteiger Stand-In

Meanwhile, ahead of the midweek Champions League knock-out tie between Arsenal and Bayern Munich, the Bavarians' boss, Jupp Heynckes, has confirmed Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo will replace German international Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is suspended.

"Of course, Luiz Gustavo will play on Wednesday providing that he stays fit. He is working great and is in top shape physically," he said.

The Gunners must overturn a 1-3 deficit from the first leg and although the odds are stacked heavily against them, a number of Bayern players, including Toni Kroos, who scored the opening goal at the Emirates, have warned against complacency.

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