Hammers chase Henry

West Ham has made a bid to sign Thierry Henry in a move which would see the Frenchman become the highest-paid player in its history.

The former Arsenal striker has been linked with a move away from Barcelona with reports indicating Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls would be a possible destination.

However, West Ham joint chairman David Sullivan has revealed he wants to sign the 32-year-old and is willing to offer him a two-year deal worth around 75,000 pounds ($A131,000) a week, more than 7.5million pounds ($A13million) in total.

Sullivan told The Sun: "We're trying to assemble a more prolific strike force at West Ham and I'd love to have Henry here."

"Our club is in debt but a striker of his quality and standing would make it a great deal."

"Henry is still up there with the best."

"I've made an offer which would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history."

"And it's a serious offer because Henry could walk into almost any Premier League side."

Meanwhile Arsenal has completed the signing of long-term target Marouane Chamakh as Arsene Wenger began what could be a busy summer of transfer activity for the club.

The 26-year-old joins on a free transfer at the end of his contract with Bordeaux, and manager Wenger backed him to be 'a great addition' to the Arsenal squad.

Chamakh has made no secret of his ambition to move to the English Premier League and said: "This is a dream come true and a great joy to be joining Arsenal. My goal was always to play in the Premier League and Arsenal was the choice of my heart."

Chamakh played a key role in Bordeaux winning the French league title in 2009 and leaves the club after 293 appearances, during which he has scored 79 times.