Gunners agree Vieira fee

Arsenal have agreed the ‚é¼20 million sale of Patrick Vieira to Juventus.

The Turin club have succeeded where Real Madrid failed in luring the France international powerhouse away from Highbury.

Vieira is currently on his way to Italy to discuss personal terms with the Old Lady, with Juve expecting to concur on a five-year deal with the 29-year-old.

Juve expect to unveil Vieira to the media on Friday, provided he comes through his medical with no hitches.

The Turin club have stated the fee will be paid in three installments; ‚é¼10 million now, ‚é¼5 million next year and a further ‚é¼5 million in 2007. 

The midfielder has been a key figure for The Gunners since joining the club from Milan in 1996 and his absence will be sorely felt by all at Highbury.

Gunners chief Arsene Wenger has expressed sadness at the departure of his first signing.

"I share the sadness with our supporters that Patrick has left us, but on the other hand I would say to them trust us and support us," Wenger told the club's website. "We'll be strong next season and we need you behind us like you have always been. We will not disappoint you.

"Patrick was a great player for us, one of the greatest in the club's history and I feel I had a special relationship with him because I made him come here.

"I think his impact, not only at Arsenal but in English football overall was just tremendous.

"The sad thing is that he leaves us, but the good thing is that he leaves us on a high. His last kick for the club was symbolic as it won us the FA Cup.

"Patrick will always be special for Arsenal football club, always in our hearts and our minds. All I can do is thank him for all he gave to the club and wish him well in his career."

Vieira admits it was a wrench to depart North London, but feels the time is right for a fresh challenge.

"When you spend nine years at the club, like I did, it is a difficult decision to leave. But in the end you have to make a choice for your future," said the midfielder. "It was a very difficult decision, but I am happy with it.

"I made the decision to leave because I felt it was time for me to have a new challenge. But that does not mean I was unhappy or that I was having a problem at Arsenal.

"It was just that I had the feeling I needed to grow and meet a new challenge, and I feel Juventus was the best challenge for me."

Vieira reserved special praise for the Gunners supporters.

"I'd like to thank the Arsenal fans," he added. "They have been fabulous. Even recently in the street they were saying 'if you are going, then thanks for the last nine years'. That is really touching and it makes me feel that I gave my best for the club.

"I can go with my head held high. I did my best every day in training and in every match, and I left shaking the hand of Arsene Wenger and Mr Dein. That was really important to me."

Wenger is sure to strive to find a replacement for Vieira and with money burning a hole in his pocket, he could have the pick of Europe's midfielders.