Contract offer would make Henry Arsenal's best paid
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-12 09:19

LONDON (AP) -- Arsenal striker Thierry Henry would become the club's highest-paid player ever if he accepts a new contract.

The France striker has said he won't discuss a new contract until the end of the season, raising concerns he may quit before his agreement expires in June 2007.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said Tuesday the club was prepared to pay Henry more than previous highest earner Patrick Vieira, who joined Juventus in the offseason.

"We have not talked about the offer," Hill-Wood was quoted as saying by London's Evening Standard newspaper. "It is fair to say he would become the highest-paid player in Arsenal's history -- and deservedly so.

"We would also have liked to talk before the end of the season but it is Thierry's right to leave it until then. It is his life. But we want him to stay and he knows that."

Patrick Vieira earned ￡82,000 ($144,000) a week. Reports said Henry could be offered ￡100,000 ($175,000) a week, a 25 percent increase on his current salary.