Vieira gunning for new Highbury deal

Patrick Vieira claims he “would love to stay” with Arsenal and is prepared to sign a four or five-year contract if he is happy with the deal offered to him.

Vieira, currently on holiday in his homeland Senegal, also ruled out any chance of a move to Manchester United and insisted if he did leave the Gunners he would move abroad.

Vieira, who has a year to run on his current deal, told Sky Sports News: “I hope when I come back that everything will be OK for me to sign a new contract.

“Four or five years is not a problem for me if I am happy with everything in the contract.”

The 26-year-old France midfielder added: “One of the exciting things about football is that you never know what is going to happen but, for now, I would love to stay at Arsenal.

“It’s hard to see myself playing for another team but Arsenal and, if I did leave, I would go abroad.”

Asked if that meant he would never play for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is a big admirer of the player, Vieira replied: “I appreciate him (Ferguson) as a manager.

“He has done well for Manchester United and I think everyone who plays football likes Alex Ferguson. But it’s not about him. I just don’t see myself in Manchester.

“I like Manchester United. I watch their games on TV and sometimes they play really well and sometimes they play badly but they know how to win games and I have a big respect for the club and their players.”

Arsenal fans will be delighted that Vieira is ready to commit his long term future to the Gunners, who announced on FA Cup final that Thierry Henry had agreed a new contract.