Will Arsenal look to put the Frenchman out of his misery?

Football FanCast columnist ‘The New Voice of Football' wonders if Arsene Wenger is going to put Patrick Viera out of his Italian misery.

With speculation refusing to subside about the return of Patrick Vieira to Arsenal come January, would the ageing French enforcer be a positive or negative signing for Arsene Wenger, given his self imposed policy of not resigning former players in North London?

Unsettled at Inter Milan under Jose Mourinho and somewhat worried it would seem about missing the plane to South Africa for the World Cup next summer; Vieira should be on his way out of the San Siro post Christmas. Wenger heavily tipped do perform a u-turn and bring the Gunners legend, who they have struggled to replace since his departure back to the Premier League.

Tottenham were very interested in the summer, but Vieira could simply not sign for Spurs anymore than Tony Adams could follow Harry Redknapp to White Hart Lane or Sol Campbell could return. Some things are just never meant to be! Apparently Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has been recommended the services of Pat, but as things stand, they simply can't sign him and another ageing player, who plays in midfield, is surely not top of the agenda even if they could.

At 33, Vieira is definitely a player, who has seen his best years pass. However, if there is any club, that has any hope of seeing the best of what he has left in his career, it's Arsenal. Nine-years at Highbury in a period that saw Arsenal win the league three-times, runners-up five-times and the FA Cup four-times, with the trophy cupboard yet to be troubled since his departure. Four-years and counting!

Vieira would come at a nominal cost, given his desire to play football and leave the Nerazzurri, where he is not wanted. What have Arsenal and Wenger got to lose in a signing, who was schooled in the football philosophy of his compatriot and should slot back in nicely. For Arsenal play the same way now, as they did when he left. Just been missing something in recent years, wonder what that is?

Yes there might be concerns over his fitness and ability to get about as well as he used to; but even if he was only to play 20 times a season. Surely his presence and influence around the place is bound to help. You might get a little slower and lose some sharpness as you get older, but you don't lose your class. That's what Patrick Vieira was and that's what he probably still has, which is why Wenger could be missing a trick if he didn't bring him to the Emirates to let him try and recapture his glory days.

The French enforcer needs a final hurrah before he retires and Arsenal need a true leader again. It doesn't matter whether he is 100% of the class act that left four-years ago. For Vieira's a winner and the Gunners need a winner, who can pass on that mentality to the likes of Alex Song and Abou Diaby. For, while they have scrambled about in pursuit of silverware Pat has carried on winning things in Italy. Four Serie A titles, albeit one taken away due to the Calciopoli scandal and a couple of cups to boot. Some might say a very good habit to have as a footballer!

Wenger has little to lose in bringing Vieira back and everything to gain. A lot of fans from a lot of clubs wouldn't mind the presence of Vieira lurking around their clubs; but Arsenal is really the only place, where he should end up. A deal that on the surface looks beneficial to both parties at this present point in time.