Vieira linked with Chelsea switch
442 Staff - Monday 05 October 2009, 16:10
Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira could finally be set to seal his return to London, but surprisingly with Chelsea, according to reports.
The 33-year-old Frenchman - who made more than 250 league appearances and won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his time at Arsenal - was linked with a return to Arsene Wenger's side along with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer.
However, a move to either failed to materialise, with the midfielder opting to stay at the San Siro and fight for his place in Jose Mourinho's side.
But with Vieira's appearances for the Nerazzurri few and far between so far this season, the former Juventus enforcer has warned he will seek a move away from the club in January if his services are not utilised sufficiently.
And while fellow ex-Gunner Thierry Henry was back at the North London club on Sunday to celebrate Wenger become the side's longest-serving manager, Vieira was instead spotted at Stamford Bridge taking in Chelsea's top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool.
According to Mercato 365, former Juventus and AC Milan head-honcho Carlo Ancelotti is considering making a move for Vieira in January - pending an appeal against a transfer ban on the Blues - as he sees as him as an ideal replacement for Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, who will be departing to participate in the African Cup of Nations.
However, Sky Sports have countered that Vieira was simply seen at Stamford Bridge as he arrived too late for Arsenal's 1:30pm kick-off against Blackburn.