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VIEIRA FEE AGREED
Tuesday 3rd August 2004
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Real Madrid and Arsenal have agreed on £23.1 million fee for Gunners skipper Patrick Vieira, according to Spanish radio reports.
Radio station Cadena SER is reporting that Real president Florentino Perez and Highbury vice-president David Dein have agreed on the €35 million deal.
The French midfielder would sign a four or five year deal to join the legions of 'Galaticos' at El Santiago Bernabeu.
Vieira lifted the Premiership trophy as skipper of an unbeaten Arsenal side last season, but it is thought to be his concerns of the club's UEFA Champions League prospects that has led to his decision to leave.
Gunners boss Arsène Wenger has even stated that he is powerless to stop Vieira leaving if the former Milan man decides to swap North London for Madrid.
Perez has made his name at Real by signing one big star each year, and Vieira has been targeted to follow the likes of Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham.
Vieira has been linked with moves away from Highbury for the last few summers, but this time it has materialised into a solid interest from Real.
Radio station Cadena SER has close links with Real and the news of Beckham's move from Manchester United was also released on radio last summer.
Real want to sign Vieira before Thursday's deadline for the opening stages of the Champions League, but it is thought that Arsenal want to try and secure the services of a replacement, thought to be Porto star Maniche, before going through with the deal.
Should it go through the news will be a massive blow for Arsenal fans who will have to look forward to the new season without their giant midfield presence.