Real Madrid in £35M mega raid for Arsenal duo

Real Madrid are ready to make a massive £35 million raid on Arsenal's French duo Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires.

The Evening Standard reports that Real have been monitoring contract talks between Arsenal and both players and know that negotiations are dragging on.

Vieira and Pires each have one year left on their present deals, with little sign of either player agreeing terms on a new contract.

Real officials and former stars Emilio Butragueno and Jorge Valdano both watched Pires and Vieira in action for France against the Czech Republic last month.

Vieira and Pires have said this season that they are happy to remain with the Gunners, but while no deals have been signed Real will continue to prepare their major bid ahead of the summer transfer window.