Vieira, Flamini to fight for Arsenal centre stage

MATHIEU FLAMINI may be seen as a ready-made replacement for Patrick Vieira, but Arsene Wenger hopes the pair will battle it out for a place in the Arsenal midfield next season.

The France World Cup winner is staying silent on a move to Real Madrid and the Spaniards are reportedly ready to launch a renewed £18million bid later this week.

Vieira was not involved in the Amsterdam Tournament last weekend, a thigh injury keeping him out as Arsenal drew a blank in goalless draws against Ajax and River Plate.