Every Arsenal fan will today be thinking about how ridiculous Patrick's alleged comments now sound. Arsenal lacking ambition? Unlikely to finish in the top 5? The signing of Sol Campbell blows both those claims out of the water (that's if anyone believed they could float in the first place).

So how can Vieira possibly stay an Arsenal player after saying them things (© Glenn Hoddle)? Answer: by not having said them.

Wenger explains, "I have spoken to Patrick on the phone and it's clear to me now what I always thought: that the words which have been attributed to him in newspapers did not actually come from his mouth; not one word."

Le Boss goes on to say that Vieira is due back for training on July 15th (French players having been given a few days extra off because of the Confederations Cup). Patrick has told Wenger he'd be back then, and as far as Wenger is concerned, "he will be playing for Arsenal next season and I'm confident he'll show the same commitment and loyalty he's already shown over the last five years." See This is London for full quotes.

This all tallies with Gilles Grimandi's rather more cryptic comments on his official website.

It won't be easy for Patrick Vieira to stay at Arsenal now, but then again, nothing could be easy for him after this summer's misguided antics. It seems like the likes of Grimandi and Wenger will be prepared to forgive and forget, and hopefully help Vieira win the hearts of the fans back.

Gossip will doubtless continue. Liverpool are the latest club to get hopeful.

Meanwhile, regular ArseWeb correspondent Julio seems to have found what sports journalists the world over are saying doesn't exist: a picture of Marc Roger. We think he's the one on the right but we're not sure (vigilante groups take note!).