Arsenal want Real Madrid deal for Vieira sorted

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira could be announced tomorrow as Real Madrid's latest galactico signing.

Insiders say a deal to sign the Arsenal skipper will be concluded as soon as the Spaniards return from tonight's Champions League tie with Wisla Krakow in Poland.

A Real source told The Sun: "If everything goes as planned, Vieira will be presented on Thursday as a new Real Madrid player for the next five years and he will join his team-mates immediately."

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is thought to have carried out the negotiations personally.

Real insist they will not pay more than £23million for the midfielder - but Arsenal are equally determined to hold out for more.

The source added: "Arsenal want to be paid in two instalments, while Madrid aim to pay over four years."

"What is certain is that Arsenal want the whole issue closed and sorted by Saturday."