Has Wenger finally brought an end to the Viera rumours

Football FanCast guest columnist Dan Pritchett is disappointed that Viera is unlikely to return to Arsenal in the January window.

The prospect of Patrick Viera making an emotional return to Arsenal in January appears doomed, as Arsene Wenger suggested that he believes that the Frenchman’s future is unlikely to be in the Premier League.

In response to the question about Viera’s international career, given that he was dropped from the squad for this week’s Play-off against the Republic of Ireland, Wenger said it would be in Patrick’s best interest to move away from Inter Milan at the earliest convenience, if he has any hope of making the French squad for the World Cup providing they can defeat Ireland tonight in their second leg. Arsene was asked the inevitable question about linking up with his former captain once again in the red and white of Arsenal; something that Wenger has clearly attempted to distance himself from.

Wenger said: “If I had to bet, I would put my money on another country. It’s complicated for him to come back to this country.” (RTL)

I suppose there is two ways you can look at it. At the moment it is very difficult to champion the move to bring him back, given our excellent start to the season and the performances of notably Alex Song in that midfield berth; however I personally felt it would have been beneficial for Wenger to have someone with Viera’s experience to come in if need be and who’s presence would have been invaluable to the rest of the squad given he has been it, seen it and done it. Perhaps Arsene sees that as a negative more than a positive or I suppose there is a case of him looking out for the player and knowing that we cannot provide him regular first team football then it would hardly be much of a step up than what he is currently experiencing at Inter Milan.

I don’t think that it is any doubt that Viera turned down a move to the Spuds in the summer in the hope that Wenger may look to bring him back, as was hinted in the press. I am sure he would jump at a return to our place, however I do sense with Wenger’s words about Viera and his future that there is no chance that the dream return is on and as Patrick has ruled out the opportunity to move to the Lane, he now has little option but to look elsewhere. It would have been great to see him return, but perhaps Wenger is right to suggest that a return to the scene and the country where he made his name isn’t always the wise move as history has proven time after time before.