Arsenal confirmed on Saturday they had reached agreement to transfer their star striker Henry to Spanish giants Barcelona.

The iconic Henry's departure after eight years at the club will leave a gaping hole in the Gunner's front line, and manager Arsene Wenger has already drawn up a shortlist of replacements.

According to The Sunday Telegraph and the News of the World, Bolton striker Anelka -- who has been on sizzling form for France during the Euro 2008 qualifiers -- is top of the list.

Anelka's contract at Bolton does not expire until 2010, however the former Paris St Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool striker is desperate to play in the Champions League. He also declared recently he would jump at the chance to move to one of the Premiership's 'big' clubs.

Recent boardroom changes at Arsenal, which played a hand in Henry's decision to leave, have led to uncertainty over Wenger's commitment to the club.

Creative midfielder Cesc Fabregas said he would almost certainly leave if Wenger quits, however the fact the Frenchman has already been busy sounding out a replacement for Henry suggests he is going nowhere.

According to the News of the World Wenger will target Ajax stars Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Ryan Babel as back-up if he fails to land Anelka.

The paper reported a source close to the Arsenal boss as saying: "... Arsene definitely believes Anelka is the ideal replacement.

"If he doesn't get Anelka then he will go for Jan Huntelaar -- and Babel is also a possibility."