Real Madrid are continuing with their attempt to sign Patrick Vieira despite Arsenal insisting that the player is not for sale.

Real president Florentino Perez has stated that every player has his price as he lays the groundwork for a reported £30m bid for the French international midfielder.

“There are no players that are not for sale,” said Perez. “The only problem is the money.”

Vieira signed a new contract with Arsenal in the summer of 2003 which still has three years to run.

His agent Steve Kuttner said: “Just because Perez says he admires a player doesn’t mean he is going to sign him.

“If Real Madrid want to sign Patrick Vieira they will have to contact Arsenal. ”

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood added: “Real being linked with Patrick has happened so often before and it’s starting to become irritating.”

“We have no intention of selling him.”

Perez said: “I must repeat that my policy is to try to sign the best player in the world in every position where we do not already have that.”

“Patrick Vieira is, in my opinion, the best in the world in his position.”