Patrick Vieira has told a friend he will leave Arsenal this summer, the Sun reports. The paper claims that he has requested a transfer, after having been persuaded to stay last summer.

The Sun quotes an unnamed friend of the France midfielder, who is said to have spoken to Vieira on the phone. He is adamant that money is not the reason for the European and World Cup winner to leave Highbury.

"This decision is nothing to do with Arsenal, the players or even the disciplinary problems he has had in English football," his friend tells the Sun.

"... he says he has reached a crossroads in his career and now needs a new challenge and a new environment to take him to the very highest level as a player."

"Arsenal have had great players before me and they will have great players after me. It is not the end of the world," Vieira is quoted as saying to his friend.

"I am not going to start the season with Arsenal. I have left. That's it and they know it."

Only three clubs are said to match Vieira's ambition: Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But what kind of friend would talk to The Sun for money...?

Rupe adds... Arsenal have acted quickly to counter this rumour. See this official statement. Brief and to the point. Elsewhere David Dein is quoted as saying, "The story is untrue, Patrick is not leaving Arsenal for any price. He still has three years to go on his contract." So. "That's it and they know it" is untrue. So why should we believe any of it?