It's encouraging stuff....

"There are always rumours but... I can tell you how much he likes England. "

"This is a country made for him. I know he won't go back [to Italy] because he saw for himself what the country, its championship, and the everyday life are made of. Okay there might be a bit of passion but all stadia are not full, only when it's a big game. "

"There is constant hassle for the players and a lack of respect from a certain category of supporters. He has perfectly adjusted to English culture made of openness, respect and passion.

"The English approach is sometimes a little amateurish. In the way they sometimes train or eat, it is certainly less professional. "

"But besides that there is a positive culture. There is passion without exaggeration. Italy is very much at the other end of the scale - with excess. They always go over the top."

If it weren't for the nonsense in the summer no-one would be doubting what Desailly says. Now that Wenger has committed himself to the club, the new stadium is set to go ahead, and Paddy looks to have the captaincy if he wants it, Arsenal are hoping that Vieira will soon be signing a new long-term contract. And that he'll stick to it.

Many supporters still seem convinced that Vieira will be leaving in the summer. If he does, Spain is bound to be the destination because Desailly is probably right about Italy.

The other possibility of course is China. Many thanks to everyone who sent us this story about the coach of the worst team in the Chinese league Shenyang Jinde, who seems to think he's going to sign the France and Arsenal star any day now.

We have to agree with all those who think it scandalous that Vieira will be travelling to China this Thursday to discuss terms, just 3 days before the massive home match against Liverpool. How can anyone think that Vieira is committed to Arsenal in any way when he's prepared to jet off to China in pursuit of at such a crucial time in pursuit of ......