Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a move for former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira.
The lack of experience in Wenger's squad has become a talking point in recent times, particularly since the departures of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City.
Vieira left the club four years ago, joining Juventus and later Inter Milan, but he has been linked with a move back to the Premier League after an injury-plagued 2008/9 campaign.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his interest in the Frenchman but Wenger believes he would only want to play for one team if he returned to England.
A pay-as-you-pay deal has been mooted and Wenger has now admitted that he will have to seriously consider the matter.
"There is a football decision and there is a psychological impact on a player of that stature that could come in," said the Gunners boss.
"But at the moment we need to look at the level of experience in your squad to make this kind of decision.
"We are nowhere near to making a decision like that, but it is a possibility.
"We do not rule it out and we do not say we will do it - and that is my decision at the moment."
Wenger remains in regular contact with Vieira and is aware that he experienced a difficult season with Inter.
"I speak to Patrick, I speak to many players who have been here because I keep good connections with them," he explained.
"He has gone through a difficult period as well in the last season. I am aware that he wants to come here.
"I think Patrick is a legend here and he would always like to come back to this club. That would be his first choice.
"With emotion you always like the club you spent time (with).
"But as a professional as well, you always give 100 per cent for whichever club you sign for."
However, Wenger insisted: "Our focus should not be who can help us from outside, but who can help us from inside.
"We need a strong start and it is important that we do not dream too much and win our games in pre-season."
Source: Skysports
The lack of experience in Wenger's squad has become a talking point in recent times, particularly since the departures of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City.
Vieira left the club four years ago, joining Juventus and later Inter Milan, but he has been linked with a move back to the Premier League after an injury-plagued 2008/9 campaign.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his interest in the Frenchman but Wenger believes he would only want to play for one team if he returned to England.
A pay-as-you-pay deal has been mooted and Wenger has now admitted that he will have to seriously consider the matter.
"There is a football decision and there is a psychological impact on a player of that stature that could come in," said the Gunners boss.
"But at the moment we need to look at the level of experience in your squad to make this kind of decision.
"We are nowhere near to making a decision like that, but it is a possibility.
"We do not rule it out and we do not say we will do it - and that is my decision at the moment."
Wenger remains in regular contact with Vieira and is aware that he experienced a difficult season with Inter.
"I speak to Patrick, I speak to many players who have been here because I keep good connections with them," he explained.
"He has gone through a difficult period as well in the last season. I am aware that he wants to come here.
"I think Patrick is a legend here and he would always like to come back to this club. That would be his first choice.
"With emotion you always like the club you spent time (with).
"But as a professional as well, you always give 100 per cent for whichever club you sign for."
However, Wenger insisted: "Our focus should not be who can help us from outside, but who can help us from inside.
"We need a strong start and it is important that we do not dream too much and win our games in pre-season."
Source: Skysports
