Real Madrid on outer as Arsenal offer Vieira new deal

Real Madrid are considering pulling out of talks with Arsenal for midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Arsenal have upped Vieira's price-tag to £26 million and also made the Frenchman a new contract offer.

The Gunners' proposal could see his £65,000-a-week wages rocket to £100,000 a week after Arsenal sensationally pulled out all the stops to keep their skipper.

That left Real's bid to snatch Vieira on the verge of collapse after they thought they had landed the midfielder for £22m.

Arsenal chiefs are split on selling their captain.

Vice-chairman David Dein has urged his fellow directors to back manager Arsene Wenger and resist Real Madrid's advances.

However, managing director Keith Edelman maintained the board should act in the best business interests of the club - and cash in on a player whose transfer value has reached its peak.