Vieira fires Gunners warning

PATRICK VIEIRA upped the ante in his contract talks with Arsenal with a warning that he could walk away on a Bosman free transfer next summer – putting leading clubs across Europe on alert.

The Arsenal captain, whose current Highbury deal is understood to expire next year, is still hopeful of reaching agreement with the Gunners over a new deal to tie his long-term future to the club. However, talks have so far failed to produce a solution and, while they will continue, Vieira is seeking a deal before the new season starts in less than a month’s time.

Vieira said: “The discussions are well on course and I am optimistic. I want to stay at Arsenal but everything must be resolved before the start of the championship. Either I prolong my contract or I go to the end of my contract.”