Vieira set to ignore Real deal and commit to Arsenal

Dethroned English Premiership champions Arsenal received a welcome boost on Tuesday when inspirational captain Patrick Vieira committed himself to them for next season despite interest from Champions League titleholders Real Madrid.

The French international midfielder, who will be 27 in June, said despite Arsenal's failure to retain the Premiership and its well publicised financial problems - it is 40million pounds in debt - he was looking forward to leading the Gunners out next season.

"I have really enjoyed the responsibility and I'm looking forward to leading the team next season," Vieira told the side's matchday programme for Wednesday's match against Southampton.

"It's worth re-iterating how happy I am here at Arsenal and how committed I am to the team."

"I'm looking forward to sitting down with the boss (Arsene Wenger) and reflecting on this season and talking about how we can use these experiences to plot a successful 2003-04," added the World Cup and Euro 2000 winning midfielder, who has a year remaining on his present contract.

Wenger for his part admitted he has a battle on his hands to please his existing stars such as Vieira and Thierry Henry in paying them competitive wages while also seeking class players to strengthen a squad found lacking in the run-in to the Premiership campaign.

"We want to extend Patrick's contract, like we want to extend all of them, and I believe they will all stay," said Wenger, who has indicated he needs to rebuild his ageing defence and find a long-term replacement for former talismanic captain Tony Adams whose replacement Pascal Cygan was found wanting.

"I feel what we want to achieve together is stronger than one disappointment in the championship."

"But once you buy well and the players develop, you have to put them at the wages they deserve."

"Even if they love you a lot, you have to pay them the right price and that means the wage bill becomes higher. You can only keep the players if you do that."

"All of the clubs are in this position. It's tricky."