ARSENAL have made club legend Patrick Vieira their No 1 target to replace Unai Emery as permanent manager, French reports claim.
Spaniard Emery was axed as Gunners boss at the end of November after a dreadful run of games saw them go winless in seven matches for the first time since 1992.
Arsenal have reportedly made club legend Patrick Vieira their No 1 target to replace Unai Emery as permanent managerCredit: Reuters
Vieira’s ‘Invincibles’ team-mate Freddie Ljungberg has taken the role as interim boss, but started his temporary reign with a 2-2 draw against Norwich.
Ljungberg stated before the match that he was not looking to take over as permanent manager straight away – and the Emirates board agree.
According to Nice-Matin, Nice boss Vieira emerges as the leading candidate to make a dramatic Arsenal return and take over as manager.
The Frenchman began his managerial career in MLS with New York City in 2016 before moving to Ligue 1 two-years later.
Vieira guided Nice to a seventh place finish in his first season in France, but they are currently struggling in 14th this term.
Former Gunners stars Emmanuel Petit, Ray Parlour, David Seaman and Alan Smith all believe ex-captain Vieira is the right man to replace Emery.
The hardman midfielder faces competition to take over at the Emirates, though.
Mauricio Pochettino, only sacked by Tottenham last month, has been linked with a swift North London return, despite reports he favours Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, whose Leicester side currently sit SECOND in the table, has ruled out leaving the Foxes.
But he still remains a hot-favourite to make the move to London.
Patrick Vieira is the choice of his former team-mates to become the new Arsenal managerCredit: AFP – Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
