Wenger confident Vieira will sign new contract

Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira will end speculation over his future and sign a new contract the FA Cup winners manager Arsene Wenger claimed.

The 27-year-old French international has just a year left on his existing contract and has threatened to walk out on a Bosman transfer next year if new stars are not brought into the club so they can retake the title off Manchester United.

However Wenger has been hamstrung by Arsenal's plans to build a new stadium which has seen just German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann arrive this summer - a 1.5million pound (2.4million dollars) buy from Borussia Dortmund - as the replacement for David Seaman.

Wenger, though, told the Evening Standard he was confident Vieira would be an Arsenal player the season after next.

"Regarding his contract, I am confident he will sign before the start of the season," Wenger said.

Wenger was also upbeat that his inspirational captain would be fit after undergoing knee surgery in the summer.

"Of course we will need to see Patrick, but the news from France where he has had three weeks of hard work after the operation is very positive," said Wenger.

"I am looking for him to perhaps play one half against Celtic on Saturday."

Vieira was due back on Wednesday along with compatriots Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires, who were all allowed to rest after taking part in the Confederations Cup for France.

Wiltord too is involved in talks over a new contract and has been linked with French champions Lyon and rivals Paris Saint Germain.