Vieira makes Arsenal U-turn

Vieira (centre) with Campbell (l) and Henry (r)

Patrick Vieira's turnaround at Arsenal could see him extend his contract with the club.

Vieira seemed certain to leave during the summer but the French midfielder is now set to extinguish talk of his departure by signing a new deal.

"Yes, it was possible that I would leave in the summer," Vieira told the News of the World.

"It is possible for me to leave at the end of next season.

If I see at any time that Arsenal don't do everything to try to win trophies - then that's it

Patrick Vieira

"In football - like life - anything can happen. It is also possible for me to stay here for the next 10 years.

"If I see at any time that Arsenal don't do everything to try to win trophies, that their ambitions no longer match mine, then that's it.

"I have three years left on my contract but we are already talking about a new deal which could be for five or six more years."

Vieira was linked with a move to several major European clubs, including Arsenal's Premiership rivals Manchester United.

Vieira continued: "Why not Manchester United? In football anything is possible.

"It's not that I was thinking of leaving but my agent came to me and said people were interested in me.

"There were talks, although I never personally met anyone from Manchester United, Real Madrid or Juventus. But my agent did. That's his job."

United have strenuously denied making any illegal approach for Vieira, with the only accepted contact having been a phone call from United chief executive Peter Kenyon to Arsenal counterpart David Dein.

An FA spokesman said on Sunday: "With regard to the allegation of an illegal approach by Manchester United, the FA can confirm that we have not received a complaint from Arsenal Football Club.

"Therefore we are in no position to take any action on this subject.

However, the governing body are understood to be keeping a close eye on the activities of Vieira's agent, Marc Roger.

As for Vieira's future, Arsenal have finally convinced him of their ambition.

"They are determined to become one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Vieira.

"That's what I wanted to hear, and I believe them and trust them - so I'm happy to stay."

He added: "I want more years, more money.

"Then it won't be a problem for me to sign. If I can get what I want, what I deserve, I will open my arms and take it because this is my job - football is my job not my hobby."