Madrid admit: We want Vieira

Real Madrid have given their clearest indication yet that they want to sign Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira.

The Spanish club’s director of football Emilio Butragueno today admitted Real considered Vieira “very important” to the team.

“He’s a very interesting player and he’s very important for us and our club,” the former Real striker told BBC Sport Online.

“We’re not there yet. It’s a long process…I think this week will be decisive.”

Butragueno made the comments in Japan, where Real are set to play two pre-season friendlies against J League opposition.

Vieira has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, where he would team up with France team-mate Zinedine Zidane.

The Gunners do not need to sell but if 28-year-old Vieira has set his heart on a move to the Spanish giants they will have to reluctantly cash in.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is adamant Vieira is going nowhere and has held talks with the player on the club’s pre-season tour of Austria.