Arsene Wenger can understand Thierry Henry's delay in holding talks over a new contract - because the decision holds the key to the rest of his career. However, the Arsenal boss reiterated his belief the French international will sign a new deal this summer as he called on him to end his career at the club. Henry (28) insists he will not hold talks over an extension to his current deal, which expires in 18 months' time, until the end of this season.
That has prompted chairman Peter Hill-Wood to admit his fear that Henry will leave Highbury, with Barcelona said to be waiting in the wings.
Wenger said: "You have to accept when players are close to 29, it is their last contract and they wonder 'what do I do now?'
"You have to accept that. It is healthy. I would not rush him into a decision. He has to do it when he is ready. You want your players to be committed to it when they do it because they really believe it.
"Some players want to focus on their season. If Henry makes a decision (at this age), it means his entire life will be spent at Arsenal or somewhere else."
Anton Ferdinand has signed a contract extension at West Ham to keep him at Upton Park until 2010. Ferdinand (20) is now tied to the Hammers for the next four years after impressing in his debut season in the Premiership, playing every game.
West Ham's manager Alan Pardew said: "I'm overjoyed we have signed another of our top young players on a long-term contract and Anton fully deserves the new deal. He has made fantastic progress since I came to the club."
Red Star Belgrade have revealed that their 6ft 8in striker Nikola Zigic has been the subject of an offer from West Ham but insisted he will not leave the club until the summer.
Robin van Persie has committed his long-term future to Arsenal until 2011. The Dutch forward (22) has agreed an extension to his current deal after impressing Wenger with his form so far this season.
Wolves have signed Aston Villa's reserve goalkeeper Stefan Postma on a contract until the end of the season. The 29-year-old Dutchman, who has been on loan at Molineux since August, is now eligible to play in the FA Cup third round against Plymouth today.
Watford have signed Manchester United's 20-year-old Chris Eagles on loan until the end of the season, while Walsall have done a similar deal for the United striker Mads Timm.
Manchester City's defender David Sommeil has decided to contest the violent conduct charge made against him by the Football Association for his tackle on Tottenham's Lee Young-pyo last Wednesday.
Charlton's manager Alan Curbishley has had enough of transfer speculation "unsettling" his key players like Danny Murphy and hopes victory at Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup can "spark" their season back into life.
Curbishley has again dismissed any rift with Murphy, who signed from Anfield in August 2004.
Bolton's manager Sam Allardyce wants Ivan Campo to stay at the Reebok Stadium but has indicated the versatile Spaniard could move on if the price is right.The former Real Madrid player (31) returns from a three-match ban next week when the club are reduced in numbers with Abdoulaye Faye, Radhi Jaidi and El-Hadji Diouf all away on African Nations Cup duty.
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will have to make do with a seat on the bench for today's FA Cup third round trip to Nuneaton after handing in a transfer request - fellow Australian Brad Jones will deputise.
Guardian Service
