LONDON: Arsenal's chances of regaining the premier league title received a huge boost on Tuesday, when French midfielders Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires finally agreed to new contracts with the club.

Club captain Vieira, arguably the most complete midfielder in English soccer, signed a new contract taking him to the end of the 2006/7 season, a club spokeswoman said.

Pires, English player of the season in 2001/2002 when Arsenal won the league and FA Cup double, has extended his contract until the end of the 2005/6 season. Arsenal open the 2003/4 season against Everton on Saturday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had concentrated his offseason efforts on persuading the two internationals to stay at Highbury, rather than having to revamp their squad like champions Manchester United and London rivals Chelsea.

The club's finances have been stretched by the building of a new stadium in north London.

"As I've always said, I'm very happy here at Arsenal and it's always been my intention to sign a new contract with the club," Vieira told the club website.

"I'm really confident about this season as we have a great squad here, with great team spirit and fantastic talent. I really believe we'll go from strength to strength."

Vieira, 27, missed the final stages of last season, including Arsenal's win in the FA Cup final against Southampton, because of a knee injury which required an offseason operation.

His existing contract was due to run out at the end of the coming season, and negotiations had dragged on for weeks. He joined Arsenal from AC Milan in August 1996. Pires, 30, joined Arsenal from Olympique Marseille in July 2000.

Arsenal's sole offseason purchase of note was German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann from Borussia Dortmund, who is a replacement for David Seaman as the netminder has left for Manchester City.

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 08/14/2003 page8)