Little evidence to suggest a return to Arsenal for Vieira would be a success
Arsene Wenger continues to remain cagey about the possibility of a return to North London for Patrick Vieira, yet it grows stronger with each day that passes without it being ruled out. However, those who think that such a move would be a success need only look at Vieira’s form since leaving Arsenal, as well as the track record of players returning to former clubs.
When Wenger sold Vieira to Juventus for £18 million in July 2005, it was widely recognised that it was a good piece of business for a player who was at the start of a downwards trajectory from the peak of his playing abilities, with Cesc Fabregas pressing him for his place in the side at the time. Wenger’s decision was vindicated when Vieira returned to Highbury for the Champions League quarter final in 2006 and Juventus were vanquished 2-0.
Whilst Vieira has added Serie A champions medals to his collection following his move to Inter Milan following Juventus’s discredited 2005-06 title, he has been hampered by injury and has failed to achieve his stated goal when leaving Arsenal: to win the Champions League. At 33, it is fair to say he is past his peak and Arsenal fans relishing the sight of Vieira, who formed such a dominant partnership with Emmanuel Petit in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield, in a red shirt again may like to think twice.
Furthermore, whilst there has been an increasing trend for players to return to clubs for whom they have previously played, unqualified successes in these instances are few and far between. Spurs appear to have cornered the market in this trend, with Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane, Pascal Chimbonda and Peter Crouch all returning with as yet unconvincing results. Robbie Fowler, David Dunn and Dave Kitson, are others who have all gone back to a former club in recent times without creating any impact of note. If you stretch the example to managers as well, then the example of Kevin Keegan tells you all you need to know.
With regards to any possible move for Vieira, Arsene Wenger said yesterday, “I never said I would never resign a player. Usually, I feel once the players have gone, they have gone”. Arsenal’s midfield still requires work, but Wenger would do well to stick to his principles in this instance and resist a move for Vieira, despite his relationship with the midfielder.
What do you think? Would Vieira be a success if he returned to Arsenal? Or should Wenger stick to his policy of developing young players? As ever, let us know your thoughts.
