Sport

Arsenal's ultimatum for Vieira

Steve Stammers|Evening Standard
14 April 2012

Arsenal will give Patrick Vieira an ultimatum today over his proposed £22million transfer to Real Madrid.

A crucial meeting will take place this afternoon at the team's pre-season training camp near Graz in Austria. He will be told by vice-chairman David Dein and manager Arsene Wenger: "We want to know what is happening - and we want to know now."

The meeting is the first time the three central characters in the transfer saga have been together to debate the issue. The club are disappointed that Vieira, who has a £4 million-a-year contract which runs until 2008, has made no public statement of his intent and they are now determined to bring the matter to a close as quickly as possible.

This will give Wenger adequate time to reinvest the funds from the sale should the France international opt to take advantage of Real's well-documented interest.

Maniche, the Porto midfielder who made such an impact for Portugal during the European Championships, has been touted as one possible replacement.

The Arsenal captain has not yet formerly asked for a move but has outlined to Wenger - who signed him from AC Milan in August 1996 - the extent of his turmoil over the decision.

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Real Madrid's interest in Vieira was spelled out again today as sporting director Emilio Butragueno said: "He's a very interesting player and he's very important for us.

"We're not there yet. It's a long process, this week will be decisive."

Real Madrid remain the most glamorous name in world football and, at 28, Vieira is unlikely to have the chance to move to Spain in the future but he is also aware that he will not enjoy the status at the Bernabeu that he does at Highbury.

Real have to qualify for the Champions League because they finished outside the top two in the Spanish league.

Vieira is aware from bitter experience about the racism in Spanish football. In England, the trait of racism in the game has all but been eliminated. He is also aware that Wenger has assembled a vibrant young squad who will be challenging for honours for years to come.

Arsenal, meanwhile, play Sturm Graz in a friendly game tonight but Vieira will miss out through injury.