Madrid president Perez targets Vieira

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez used the club's Christmas dinner to continue his campaign to sign French midfielder Patrick Vieira from Arsenal next summer.

"I like Viera a lot, yes, that's true. He is a great player. One of the best on his position. I would be very pleased if he joined us," he said.

Perez also says he still intends to "sign a great player every season."

Vieira is considering his future again after winning the French Player of the Year title.

The midfielder has been linked with Real Madrid for over a year and says he will decide his future before joining France to play in next year's World Cup finals.

"I don't know what I want to do next year. I still have two years left on my contract but I will look at other proposals," said Vieira.

"I will make my decision before the World Cup."

Arsenal want to keep the former Milan player but strong interest from Madrid could see the Spanish champions match the London club's $28 million valuation of the Frenchman.