We don’t need Vieira, says Wenger
The manager will be given the funds from Vieira’s sale to strengthen a squad he is already convinced will rise to the challenge of being without their former captain.
Wenger said: “You have to respect that a player can have the second part of his career somewhere else. It leaves a massive hole because of his quality, presence and charisma and that’s not easy to replace.
“But we have done some work already with our players to face the challenge because that is what is in front of us.
“The experienced players have a big part to play now to show strength and character.
“I feel a massive player has left but that we still have enough quality to fight for the championship.”
Wenger, who has been strongly linked with Newcastle’s Jermaine Jenas and Lyon’s Mahamadou Diarra, is not so short of midfielders.
He has already brought in Alexander Hleb to join Gilberto Silva, Freddie Ljungberg, Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini.
Wenger insisted last night: “We are open (to strengthening) everywhere. Yes, I would like somebody to come in and if the right opportunity comes along we will take it, although the timing is not the best.”
Newcastle have indicated they want huge money for Jenas, while Wenger has rejected a move for Diarra out of hand.
Asked whether Arsenal were keen, he said: “Not really. He’s a player I like but we’re not really after him. He’s not for sale anyway. So therefore it is a name we have been linked with but we have not gone into any negotiations with his club.”
Wenger also recognises the loss of a leader, saying: “I feel I had a special relationship with Patrick. He had a tremendous impact on not only Arsenal but on English football. We still have a lot of talent but we are not desperate. So let’s make sure everybody is fit for the season.
“Now we have to find another captain. I have not yet made up my mind and I have to do that in the next few weeks.
“I have many options among the experienced players but we have to stick together and work more as a unit and compensate for the massive departure of Patrick. The fee for him will not be used for the stadium, it will be used for the team exclusively. I can give you that guarantee.
“Use it now or later in the season? I don’t know. We don’t have any specific financial problem linked with the new stadium.
“It’s always a gamble to let a massive player go. He had a special place in our team, but it’s a challenge and an opportunity for a young player to show his qualities.
“I’m confident we will be strong next season and it depends how well we overcome that psychologically and how strong our spirit will be.
“The ideal solution is, of course, before you sell to have someone to replace him, but football doesn’t work like that.
“We had to play some big games without Patrick last year and that was always a massive blow but it was a good opportunity for young players to gain experience.
“That has given them confidence and they can take advantage of that at the start of the season.”
Meanwhile Arsenal have had a new bid of £13.75m for Sevilla’s Julio Baptista turned down, according to the Spanish club.
Sevilla say the Gunners have previously had three verbal offers rejected, although Arsenal have made no official comment.
Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido said: “We haven’t reached an agreement with Arsenal.”
“The figures are still not close to what we are asking for. We are in no hurry. The player is under contract and if we don’t agree a deal, then he will play at Sevilla next season.”
Baptista, a Brazil international, wants to stay in Spain for one more year so he can qualify for new nationality and gain a European passport, which would mean he could play anywhere on the continent.
That means Arsenal are at a disadvantage compared to Real Madrid or Barcelona, who Baptista could play for and remain a Spanish resident.
However, Del Nido said neither Barca nor Real had made an offer. That contradicts what his agent said last week. “We have had dealings with Barca over Baptista,” he told COM Radio in Spain.
“He has a contract with Sevilla at the moment but the new one they are offering is not satisfactory for us.”
Coach Joaquin Caparros converted him at that time from a midfielder into a forward so it is possible Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sees him as a replacement for Vieira.
Meanwhile Del Nido said Juventus’ Enzo Maresca, who was offered to Arsenal at one time as bait for Vieira, will now sign for Sevilla on a four-year deal after a fee of 3m was agreed.
Jose Antonio Reyes has ended speculation about his future at Arsenal by signing a new six-year contract to keep him at Highbury until 2011.
Defender Gael Clichy has also extended his contract at the club to keep him in north London until 2010.
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