Arsenal are prepared to make a shock bid to bring Patrick Vieira back from Inter Milan.

According to British paper The Sun, Arsene Wenger will offer his former captain a one-year contract but it will be loaded with big bonuses.

Throughout this summer, Vieira has been touted as a possible signing for Arsenal's bitter rivals Tottenham.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has claimed that the club has contacted the defensive midfielder but has yet to get a response from him.

Meanwhile former Arsenal star Thierry Henry has publicly stated he did not advise Vieira to join Spurs. Henry also said Vieira "still loves Arsenal".

The Sun has speculated that Arsenal need more experienced players after the departures of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City and 33-year-old Vieira fits the bill.

Both Fulham and Birmingham are also believed to be tracking the midfielder.

Vieira was Wenger's first signing as Arsenal maanger. After signing for Wenger at just £3.5 million from AC Milan in 1996, he spent nine successful seasons at Arsenal winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups (including two doubles).