Arsenal are putting Thierry Henry through an intensive fitness programme to get him Premier League ready.

The Sun says the legendary striker, 34, is set to return to the club in a loan spell until March with Arsenal officials last night locked in talks with New York Red Bulls and the MLS.

Although Henry has been training with his former club during the MLS off-season, he is still not 100 per cent match-fit and has only just returned from a holiday in Mexico.

Boss Arsene Wenger is keen for Henry, 34, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, to make a brief return to the club.

Equally, the French ace is also keen to help the team, who need immediate back-up for key man Robin van Persie.