Arsenal seek to replace Vieira with Porto's £9m Maniche
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal will today hold talks with Porto over the £9m transfer of the midfielder Maniche Ribeiro to replace their captain, Patrick Vieira, who was last night finalising his move to Real Madrid.
That £23.1m deal appeared to be going ahead although several stumbling blocks, particularly how the payments of the transfer will be made and the player's salary, still remained. However, progress was made on all fronts yesterday and none of the obstacles are believed to be insurmountable.
Certainly Vieira, 28, believes his time at Arsenal, after eight years, is coming to an end. He informed some of his team-mates yesterday that he was definitely leaving. Real, after two failed attempts, finally seem to have got their man even if Vieira is unlikely to be signed in time for next week's Champions' League qualifying tie.
Events have escalated since the Spanish radio station Cadena SER, whose parent company has a stake in Real, reported that Vieira had agreed a deal late on Tuesday evening. The departure will be a severe blow to Arsenal's manager, Arsène Wenger.
Maniche has been targeted as his "number one replacement" and a deal appears likely after Porto lowered their asking price. But Wenger is evaluating several other players, which may explain the club dragging its heels. Among them is Javier Mascherano, the 20-year-old Argentinian from River Plate who impressed at the Copa America.
Despite Arsenal's strength in midfield, after losing Ray Parlour to Middlesbrough Wenger must replace Vieira as soon as possible. Vieira's friend, the former Real player Claude Makelele, said that Vieira made up "40 per cent" of the team. "Vieira is a symbol," the Chelsea midfielder said. Arsenal refused to comment yesterday. Bookmakers responded to Vieira's imminent transfer by installing Chelsea as the Premiership favourites.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments