Brazilian offers midfield Silva lining to Vieira cloud
The Spanish club, who are also said to be interested in Michael Owen, are confident Vieira can be persuaded to move to La Liga by the weekend.
A fee has not yet been agreed between the clubs, with several million pounds - as well as the method of payment - understood to be in dispute.
However, Spanish newspaper Diaria AS have reported the move will be finalised tomorrow when Real return from their Champions League qualifier against Poland’s Wisla Krakow.
Vieira had been given until this weekend to make up his mind by Arsene Wenger, who admitted that a “magician” would be needed to replace such a vital player at such short notice.
His interest in Michael Carrick is said to have cooled, while the Arsenal boss insists no move has been made for Portugal international Maniche, who is a more attacking player in any case.
Other players have been linked with Arsenal, who would closely monitor Steven Gerrard’s situation at Liverpool if Owen was to leave Anfield.
However, Wenger may, at least in the short-term, have to look within the club for Vieira’s most natural direct replacement.
Edu is still recovering from his summer participation in the Copa America, while 17-year-old Cesc Fabregas and 20-year-old Mathieu Flamini are talents for the future.
With an experienced figure needed at the heart of midfield, Gilberto could therefore be the most obvious short-term solution if Vieira leaves.
He was handed the responsibility of marshalling the midfield in the Community Shield victory against Manchester United, in which he scored Arsenal’s first goal.
Just like his team-mates, the Brazilian would prefer Vieira to stay. However, he told the club’s website, www.arsenal.com: “Everyone has to take responsibility in the team.
“The performance of the team in Cardiff was fantastic. Everyone played together and we showed how strong we are. It gives you more confidence for the season.”
Gilberto, 27, paid a special tribute to Cesc, the teenager plucked out of Barcelona’s youth system a year ago, to the frustration of the Spanish club.
“He’s a fantastic player and did very well. He showed how important he is for the team. Everyone believes in him and supports him,” he said.
“He’s only 17 and it’s not easy when you are young and are playing against such a good team. It’s a big responsibility but he did very well and he’s getting stronger and stronger.”
While it is unrealistic to expect such a young talent to fill Vieira’s boots if the Frenchman leaves, there are clearly high hopes for Cesc at Highbury.
The teenager himself admitted: “It was a dream for me to play in the Community Shield and start the season with a trophy.
“Last year was quite hard for me, I missed my family and friends but I grew up. I’ve played how I know and Arsene Wenger has helped me a lot.
“I am learning a lot of things with him and I have to see this year whether I have the luck to play more and learn more.
“The manager asks that we move the ball quickly, together and we pass down the channels. Above all, we enjoy playing.”
Wenger must, meanwhile, also address his striker situation, having lost Jeremie Aliadiere for several months with a knee injury, while Francis Jeffers has signed a two-year contract with Charlton.
Arsenal were yesterday linked with Valencia striker Miguel Angel Angulo, although the Gunners already have Thierry Henry, Jose Reyes, Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie.
Agent Jose Luis Tamargo, who has been trying to renegotiate a contract for his client at Valencia, told www.skysports.com: “Arsenal are interested in Angulo and we have an offer for him.”
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