Gilberto ready to fill Vieira's boots

World Cup winner Gilberto Silva is ready to shoulder the weight of responsibility in Arsenal’s midfield if Patrick Vieira completes his move to Real Madrid.

The Spanish club, who are also said to be interested in Michael Owen, are confident that Vieira can be persuaded to move to La Liga by the end of this week.

A fee has not yet been agreed between the two clubs, with several million euro – as well as the method of payment – still understood to be in dispute.

However, Spanish newspaper Diaria AS have reported that the move will be finalised on Thursday when Real return from their midweek Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow in Poland.

Vieira had already been given until this weekend to make up his mind on his future by Arsene Wenger, who has 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 payer in any case.

Other players have potentially been linked with Arsenal, who would no doubt closely monitor Steven Gerrard’s situation at Liverpool if Owen was to follow Danny Murphy out of 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 ahead of the new season if Vieira does leave.

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: “I think that 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, much 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,” added the Brazilian.

“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 been pondering a loan move to Charlton.

Arsenal were today 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.”