“I believe Patrick is very close to signing. I am very optimistic,” Wenger told the Daily Mail.

The Highbury boss also reported Vieira’s fellow French midfielder Robert Pires will not be leaving either.

“Rumours that we have had offers for Robert are not true,” said Wenger.

“He is about to agree an extension to his contract.”

Wenger’s quest for a long-term replacement for David Seaman remains ongoing - but the manager has confirmed Valencia’s Santiago Canizares is still in his mind to share goalkeeping duties with Stuart Taylor next season.

“I have confidence in Taylor,” Wenger insisted.

“But we’re not sure he can go through a whole season as first choice, so we need to bring in someone experienced.

“All I can say is that we are talking and we are hopeful. I cannot give you a name because we have not got that far. But Canizares is one of them – that is true.”