Wenger in talks to keep Vieira at Highbury

ARSENE WENGER admits the speculation surrounding Patrick Vieira's future is overshadowing Arsenals' pre-season preparations, but will continue talks with the French midfielder in a bid to keep him at Highbury.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a keen admirer of Vieira and seems prepared to bankroll a suggested £30 million swoop for the World Cup and European Championship winner, as new boss Jose Antonio Camacho looks to build a side for another assault on the Champions League.

Vieira is under contract with the Gunners until 2007, but is reported to be ready to quit Highbury, where he has nothing left to prove domestically having won both of England's major domestic honours.