Patrick Vieira going back to Arsenal, says Ian Wright

Arsenal legend Ian Wright last night sensationally claimed Patrick Vieira is going to rejoin the Gunners.

Vieira, 33, will be allowed to leave Inter Milan on a free transfer this summer and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has launched an attempt to sign the former Arsenal captain.

But ex-Arsenal striker Wright claimed on his Talksport show yesterday that Arsene Wenger wants to re-sign Vieira on a pay-as-you-play basis.

Wright said: "I'm hearing Vieira, pay-as-you-play back at Arsenal. That's what I'm hearing and that's what I'm hoping."

Arsenal have not won a trophy since Vieira left in 2005 after the French hardman struck the winning penalty kick in a shoot-out against Manchester United to win the FA Cup.

Vieira, who struggled to get regular games at Inter last season because of injuries, is keen to return to the Premier League to boost his chances of forcing his way into France's World Cup squad.

Former World Cup winner Vieira is still a regular at Arsenal, returns whenever he gets a break in Italy and is still close to Wenger.

It would be a hugely popular move by Wenger even though the Gunners boss has always been reluctant to re-sign former players, often insisting he would never go back for Thierry Henry.

But Vieira is worried about a fans' backlash if he joined Tottenham as internet message boards have been besieged by abuse from angry Spurs supporters ever since Redknapp confirmed his interest.

Vieira has therefore decided to stall on making a decision on joining Spurs to see if another Premier League club came in or if Inter gave him more of a chance next season.

Midfielder Vieira would jump at the chance of going back to Arsenal but even though the club are keen to sign a midfield anchorman it is still difficult to imagine Wenger going back for his former skipper.

Fulham are also interested in Vieira's availability.