Wright: Vieira back at Arsenal?

With a decent amount of funds burning a hole in his pocket, manager Arsène Wenger must realise that there are enough funds to recruit an experienced defensive midfielder.

There were pretty strong rumours that he was interested in Felipe Melo, but the Brazilian eventually signed for Juventus.

Today, Arsenal legend Ian Wright is reported as saying that he thinks former captain and midfielder Patrick Vieira will be re-joining the club on a pay-as-you-play deal.

Wenger has gone on record as saying that he is not a big fan of bringing back old players to the club, but bringing Vieira back makes some sense.

Wright said: "I'm hearing Vieira, pay-as-you-play back at Arsenal. That's what I'm hearing and that's what I'm hoping."

As with Mikael Silvestre, who was brought into the club for his experience (did you think he was going to be first choice?) to help guide the younger defenders, Vieira could help tutor the young Denilson, Abou Diaby and Alex Song, who are all contenders as partners for captain Francesc Fabregas in the middle of the park.

It's been accepted that a lot of our squad could do with some more guidance from experienced professionals, and who better than Vieira to help shape the spine of the team?

Vieira would have to take a pay cut (and reject any offer from Spurs!).

It could also be that Wenger has identified a defensive midfielder that he wants, but can only sign him in the next transfer window and thus could use Vieira as a stop-gap in the interim.

If this is indeed true, then we could be in for a very interesting season indeed.

User Comments

Cornish Gooner

Posted on 31 Jul, 2009 at 06:22 AM - Reply

I know he is getting older - I know he aint the player he was, but I honestly believe IF he ever puts that Arsenal shirt on again something magical could happen - Look at Owen - 5 years younger I know - but class is permanent - Berkgamp lasted well - So could Pat - He would strike fear into oppenents and we could have some silverware back in our cabinet - Come home Patric - Show the world how good you are again!

BLACKANGEL

Posted on 31 Jul, 2009 at 12:29 AM - Reply

BRING BACK HENRY .

sutton john

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 07:15 PM - Reply

welcome home patrick

Terri

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 06:31 PM - Reply

Yes bring him back. I am all for it

who?

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 06:20 PM - Reply

i heard inter fans would do anything to get vieira somewhere else, seems that he's crappy now. but again i'm in no position to say so, i havent been seeing him play for quite some time. all i can say is, will wenger even consider bringing in an ex-player over 30. i see a better alternative in bringing in an ex-player under 30, which is matt flamini.

Amit Pal

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 05:10 PM - Reply

After Vieira get Henry back and everything shall fall into place.

Gunner-4-life

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 04:23 PM - Reply

I personally feel that this is unlikely, especially when World Cup year is coming. If Vieira wanted to be in French World Cup Squad, he will need to play week-in-week-out. Of course if both himself & Arsene feel that it can be done, I trust Arsene!

Scott

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 04:12 PM - Reply

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! I certainly hope it is true. Vieira would be awesome as a mentor- even if he only plays in 20-25 games. He will be irreplaceable in CL games.

ZenjGooner

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 03:02 PM - Reply

Vieira would be a great mentor for that back line, and a pay-as-you-go deal would be a very prudent move. Let's focus on the fact that we let in too many goals last season, and our attitude was poor when we were down. A few injuries in the back and we're toast. Our strike force is adequate people, more than adequate. That bench needs more defenders.

city Hunter

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 02:56 PM - Reply

I also hope Robert Pires and Thierry Henry could be back.

Daveed Rojer

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 12:06 PM - Reply

The ideal stop gap until we bring in our DM for the future. I feel he can still do a job at least every game. He comes from Senegal............. Vieira.

Kamau

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 09:30 AM - Reply

P.viera is the man we need right now coz of his experience and how good he is at the position we need him for!

Paulette

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 09:18 AM - Reply

The return of the King!.. too good to be true!

Leonad Billy

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 08:55 AM - Reply

I think P. Vieira Would be a good signing in terms of maturity and the experience needed to the squad. I don't understand why he left us(Arsenal) in the First place coz' he was rarely being used in Italy both Juve and Inter Milan. It will also be nice if we are to bring in another striker the likes of Chamakh From Bordeaux or Obafemi Martins.Above all i trust Arsene he knows best what is best for the team,if Patrick should be on his way back i tell we can be in for another unbeaten season.

TheSKAGooner

Posted on 30 Jul, 2009 at 08:33 AM - Reply

Geez...what midfielder would only be available to us in January (or next summer) and not now? It certainly can't be a cost issue, now that we've sold Ade and Kolo and probably are going to ship out Eboue. Who'd you have in mind, Jonathan?

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