Patrick Vieira has admitted he fears Arsenal could lose FA Cup final hero Robert Pires this summer.

Pires, who is reportedly wanted by Valencia, has two years left on his current contract and is stalling on a new deal with the Gunners.

Arsenal skipper Vieira believes his French internaitonal team-mate could quit Highbury and feels that keeping Pires is more important than any signings boss Arsene Wenger might make this summer.

He told the News of the World: "My biggest fear is not who we will sign this summer, but who we will lose.

"I know Manchester United and Newcastle will probably buy big players but, despite that, we will still hvae enough to get the championship back next season.

"But it is vital the current team stays together - and my real concern is that Pires will go."

Pires scored the winner in  the FA Cup final against Southampton and got 16 goals this season after winning the Football Writers' Player of the Year award in 2001-2.

Vieira added: "I'm not worried about speculation over Arsene Wenger's future or even my own - but Robbie must stay."