Wenger may leave Arsenal - Vieira

Wenger (left) made Vieira a key part of his Arsenal team

Former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira believes Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will consider his future in the wake of vice-chairman David Dein's exit.

Wenger, whose contract ends in 2008, was disappointed with the departure of close friend Dein.

Vieira, now at Inter Milan, said: "They were together a long time and I can't see Wenger finishing the job himself.

"They made the decisions and one of them's not there, so you can question Wenger's long-term future, certainly."

Interview: Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira

Wenger signed Vieira from AC Milan in 1996 and the French World Cup winner was an integral part of the Gunners' success.

Dein's departure is understood to have been over the direction and ownership of the club in the light of a bid from American billionaire Stan Kroenke.

Vieira added: "It was a big shock to hear that David was going, I didn't really believe it.

"He had been there a long time and it's difficult to know how he left the club so quickly.

"Now, if Wenger finishes for himself or leaves I don't know."