Wenger met a Barcelona emissary at a leading hotel in the west of Paris, according to a report on L'Equipe's internet site yesterday. The French sports newspaper's website claimed that the focus of the meeting was Henry's prospective transfer to Camp Nou this summer.

It is believed in France that Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has set a £20 million fee for his captain, but the Guardian says it is unlikely that any such meeting would have taken place without Samuel Eto'o also being the subject of the discussions.

Wenger is an avowed admirer of the Cameroon striker, whom Barcelona are thought to consider surplus to requirements if Henry arrives. Arsenal would not comment on the speculation last night.