Ancelotti plans shock Vieira bid to deal with ACN losses

The News of the World are reporting that Chelsea are going to make a shock January move for former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira to ensure their midfield is full of quality whilst players like Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel are away at the African Nations Cup. The 33 year old Inter Milan midfielder, whose contract expires this summer, has already been linked with a return to the Premiership with former club Arsenal and their arch rivals Tottenham both said to be interested but Chelsea will offer higher wages to persuade the France midfielder to join them.

Carlo Ancelotti, who has a reputation for signing old players from his time in charge of AC Milan, was believed to be happy with his current squad but is said to be looking at snapping up Vieira just to be safe during the African Nations Cup period despite the club having an easy run of games during that time. Big man Vieira has proven Premiership quality and would no doubt relish a return to London.

Vieira left Arsenal to join Juventus but left the club during the scandal about match fixing which hit Italy and he joined rivals Inter Milan where he has remained since. Vieira’s fallen out of favour this season though and, like many other players, is said to be willing to consider a move to help his chances of making his nation’s World Cup squad. Whether a regular spot at Chelsea would be available after the African Nations Cup is yet to be seen though.

[Is there any substance to this and should this rumour Fly or Die?]

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Mark Greenwood

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Despite being born in Enfield, North London, I have spent the majority of my life living in southern Spain. Within that time I spent seven years as a season ticket holder at local club Malaga, who consequently became my team of choice. During this period I became a big follower of Spanish football which has remained with me since returning to England and I pride myself on my knowledge of the European leagues

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