Wenger: Vieira won't walk out on Gunners

ARSENE WENGER believes Patrick Vieira will never leave Arsenal. The Highbury chief has also tipped his captain to be the key factor in his side's post-Christmas title bid.

Wenger is confident Vieira, who has struggled for form and fitness during the campaign so far, can be the "most important player in the Premiership in the second half of this season." And while that would provide exactly the spur that Arsenal's title chances require, Wenger is similarly confident about the prospects of persuading Vieira to end his top-flight career in north London.

The Arsenal boss was "convinced" the French international would sign for Real Madrid last summer, only for the midfielder to change his mind at the last minute. Having warded off the Spanish giants once again, Wenger believes Vieira, who is now 28, will stay put for well over a decade at Arsenal.