Vieira insists he wants to stay

Patrick Vieira insists he wants to stay at Arsenal next season as the Gunners seek to build on another famous Double triumph.

Vieira sought to end speculation about his future after last night’s win at Manchester United which sealed the Premiership title.

Many have suggested Vieira is heading out of Highbury, Real Madrid supposedly heading the queue of interested parties with a £30m (€48m) offer.

But Vieira said: ‘‘I have two years left on my contract. Of course I will be here next season.’’

His pledge may not be enough, though, because the Frenchman is still in talks with the Gunners who want him to sign a one-year extension to his existing deal.

They want to avoid losing him on a Bosman free transfer in the near future, and if Vieira refuses to sign they could still decide to cash in.

But Vieira says he is anxious to continue playing a major role in the Premiership - and he is set to assume the captaincy full time from Tony Adams next season.

Vieira told the Evening Standard’s website www.thisislondon.com: ‘‘We have a young team and one capable of being a force in the next few years.

‘‘Since the boss (Arsene Wenger) came to the club he has been working really hard for its future.

‘‘There will be a new stadium, and with the players we have it should be a big future for Arsenal.

‘‘Manchester United are one of the clubs we want to look up to because of their success.

‘‘They are a good example. We want to be one of the big clubs in Europe like them. Now we have to keep going and we are going to get there.’’