That many Arsenal fans are excited by the prospect of Patrick Vieira returning to north London is not surprising, that Arsene Wenger seems to be genuinely considering it is truly remarkable. 

Few, if anyone, would deny Vieira was a fantastic player for Arsenal, an inspirational, colossal figure who has never been properly replaced.

It’s easy for Arsenal supporters to think Vieira could be the answer to their prayers, easy but misguided.

The harsh truth is Vieira’s return would be bad for Wenger, bad for Arsenal and bad for Vieira himself. While his experience and achievements warrants great respect the reality is he is pale shadow of the player Arsenal sold four years ago. 

Injuries have taken their toll on his 33-year-old body meaning he has played only a bit part role for Inter in the past three years.  If Vieira is unable to deliver on the pitch it’s hard to see how his influence can be a positive one off it.

By returning, there would be a real danger of him tarnishing a reputation built up during nine hugely successful years at Highbury. That would be a shame. Vieira deserves to be remembered for his outstanding contribution to Arsenal’s title triumphs in 1998, 2002 and 2004 and FA Cup wins in 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2005, not toiling ineffectively in a forlorn bid to recreate past glories.

Wenger’s logic on the prospect of bringing back his former captain is hard to fathom too. On Friday Wenger referred to the ‘psychological impact’ a player of Vieira’s stature could make. He has a point but the impact he speaks of could be a negative one given that it would suggest Wenger has lost faith in the young players and the project he has defended so stoutly in recent seasons.

Signing Vieira would go completely against Wenger’s transfer policy. Never before has he brought back a player he had previously sold. It’s a policy that has served him well so why change now, particularly when all the evidence suggests Vieira is well past his prime.