Real Madrid closer to Arsenal star Henry

Real Madrid are closer to winning the signature of Arsenal star Thierry Henry.

AS reported yesterday that Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein was in Madrid this week for talks with Real officials. He travelled from Seville to Madrid and met with Real representatives over the weekend.

It's said negotiations were opened over the potential summer switch of Henry to Madrid.

It's also suggested that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's decision to give Henry seven days off is not to keep his star striker fresh, but to allow him to hold talks with Real about a contract with the Spanish giants.

Henry admitted last month that one of his ambitions was to play club football with his close friend, Zinedine Zidane, before the Real midfielder retires.