Gunners get Real on prospect of Vieira exit
Neither club have made any official comment, despite a radio station in Spain reporting that Real president Florentino Perez and Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had negotiated a £23.1 million (€35 million) deal for the midfielder.
Highbury sources "insist no formal agreement had been reached" but with no concrete confirmation or denial the speculation is unlikely to subside swiftly.
That speculation has been added to by rumours that the French international's apartment in north London is now up for sale.
It has been suggested the Gunners have asked to be given time to find a replacement for their captain, with Porto's Maniche emerging as the most probable candidate.
If Vieira is to play any part in Real Madrid's Champions League qualifying tie, he must be registered as their player with UEFA before today's deadline of noon (CET).
With Sunday's FA Community Shield fast approaching, the constant uncertainly surrounding the future of his captain cannot have helped Arsene Wenger's preparations for the match against Manchester United in Cardiff.
Vieira has been a major factor behind Arsenal's recent domestic dominance and Highbury legend Frank McLintock believes it would be "almost impossible" to replace him.
"I was quite surprised there was talk about him going to Real Madrid," said McLintock, who skippered Arsenal to the League and FA Cup double in 1971. "He had given off signals in the past that he was very happy here, he has his home in Hampstead, he is among his fellow countrymen at Highbury and then all of sudden he is not denying anything.
"It looks as though he is either working for more money or he is interested in going to Real Madrid."
McLintock declared: "It would be almost impossible to get someone in quite as good as him."
Wenger brought former Cannes player Vieira to Arsenal for £3.5 million (€5.3 million) from AC Milan eight years ago.
He has since matured into one of the best midfielders in the world as well as a vital player for Arsenal and would suit Real as they rebuild after last season's disappointing campaign.
The 28-year-old has not personally commented on the subject, but Wenger stated at the weekend that he believes the midfielder will stay at Highbury.
While McLintock admits it would be disappointing for the Gunners fans to see their hero leave Highbury, he feels that it is now the right time for Vieira to make public his decision, "one way or another".
"We understand that he has been a great servant and a fabulous player," reflected McLintock.
"If he wants to go, it is disappointing, but then you can't really do anything about that.
"There is, though, no need for the indecision. He should make up his mind one way or another.
"When somebody drags something on and on, then it stops Wenger going out and buying a player he thinks might fill the gap left by Vieira."
He added: "Sometimes you have to say if his heart is not in the club, then maybe we are better to let him go and try to get as much money as we can in order to keep the club healthy.
"Then you could go out and buy one or two players that might strengthen the whole squad rather than just one individual that might be excellent for that position."
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