Vieira deal is done claim Spanish Press

Arsenal and Patrick Vieira’s agent were still refusing to comment today as reports from Spain suggested the Gunners had accepted a bid from Real Madrid.

The Premiership champions are reported to have admitted defeat in their battle to hold onto their captain and reached agreement on a £22.1million bid.

And the 28-year-old could be set to link up with Real as they return victorious from last night’s Champions League qualifier away to Wisla Krakow in Poland.

Both of the city’s leading sports papers, Marca and Diario AS, believe the fee has been settled and Vieira will be installed before Saturday. "It is nine million (euros) less than Arsenal wanted and three million more than Madrid were willing to pay," said Marca.

Vieira, who is still feeling the thigh strain he suffered during Euro 2004, has been selected by France for their friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Rennes next Wednesday. Vieira’s representative Steve Kutner is believed to be putting the finishing touches to the deal but would not comment on the negotiations.

Kutner said: "I cannot say anything more at the moment."

But Vieira is expected to meet Arsene Wenger’s transfer deadline by signing for the Spanish giants before the end of the week.

Wenger had told Vieira to make up his mind over his future before the start of the Premiership season this weekend.

Real president Florentino Perez is involved at the heart of the negotiations and wants to secure Vieira on a five-year deal.

Real want to pay the Gunners over four years but Arsenal are demanding only two cash instalments.