Wenger furious over Barcelona's interest in Henry

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger condemned a statement from Barcelona president Joan Laporta saying that the Catalans do their best to land Thierry Henry in the summer.

"Laporta cannot make a statement like that. It shows a lack of respect. I will try to do something about it," Wenger told BBC Radio Five Live on Thursday.

"If they want to sign Thierry they have to call us because he is under contract for another 18 months," the Frenchman added.

Laporta's statement stressed a reportedly long-time interest in the 28-year-old forward, who refused earlier to open talks about a new deal at Highbury.

Earlier, Barcelona and Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho said he dreams to play alongside Henry in the Nou Camp while Barca's top scorer Samuel Eto'o welcomed a move for the Frenchman.

But Wenger said that Henry's refusal to sign a new contract isn't his big concern about this issue.

"I'm not worried about Thierry being unsettled. I just think it is negative publicity for Arsenal and we don't need that," he said.

Henry found the net eight times in Arsenal's this season below-par campaign that saw them placed eighth after 16 matches.