Wenger hands weekend ultimatum to dithering Vieira

REAL MADRID are hoping to clinch Patrick Vieira’s potential move to the Bernabeu by the weekend, with the Frenchman now poised to make a final decision on his much-debated future.

Negotiations between the two clubs have taken place over a possible transfer fee, with Real also having had to increase their initial wages offer to the midfielder.

However, the Spanish club are said to be hoping to make an announcement tomorrow, with reports suggesting that a fee of about stg£23 million could be agreed.

Even if there is a last-minute hitch, the situation should become much clearer before Arsenal take on Everton to the start of the defence of their Premiership crown on Sunday.

Vieira has been given until this weekend to decide on his future by boss Arsene Wenger, who does not want the saga to affect his team’s preparations for the new season.

“Only Patrick can come out and clarify the situation now, and he needs to do that very quickly,” declared Wenger after last Sunday’s Community Shield.

Real still have until August 31, when the transfer window closes, to complete the deal in time to have Vieira available, not only for the start of La Liga season, but also the Champions League group stages.

But the Spanish club have already taken a 2-0 lead from the away leg of their Champions League qualifying tie against Wisla Krakow on Wednesday night, removing one potential stumbling block to the 28-year-old’s signature.

Wenger had been hoping to persuade his captain to stay at Highbury, proclaiming the Gunners had as much chance of winning a trophy this season as the nine-times European champions.

But if he does lose Vieira, Arsenal must decide whether to plunge straight into the transfer market for a replacement or to rely on the likes Gilberto, Edu, 17-year-old Cesc Fabregas or Mathieu Flamini, 20, to hold the side together.

Arsenal’s interest in Michael Carrick seems to have cooled, while Wenger has played down a move for Porto’s Maniche.

The club have also been linked with a possible interest in Argentinian Javier Mascherano and Valencia’s Ruben Baraja, while England international Owen Hargreaves is also available.

Vieira will be absent for at Goodison Park this weekend as he is still ruled out of action with a thigh injury.