The Arsenal board is targeting Patrick Vieira as Unai Emery’s permanent replacement if the rumours from Nice-Matin are to be believed. The former Gunners captain is currently in charge of OGC Nice after taking over for Lucien Favre in the summer of 2018.
Arsenal currently sit in tenth place in the Premier League, ten points away from Champions League qualification. Last season, they depended on the Europa League success to get them back into the premier competition and fell short on the final day.
Arsenal Eye Patrick Vieria for Manager’s Job
Former Players
It is no surprise to see Vieira considered for the manager job with Arsenal targeting multiple former players. Interim manager Freddie Ljungberg was a teammate of Patrick Vieira from 1998 to 2005. Ljungberg is preparing for his first home match as Arsenal boss against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday.
Vieira has had his ups and downs in the dugout thus far. He spent time in the Manchester City academy as manager of the U23’s before moving to Major League Soccer, where he took charge of New York City FC. Vieira left for France in the middle of the league season, which does not follow the standard FIFA calendar.
Arsenal are also considering current Manchester City assistant coach and former captain, Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard was considered before the club ultimately hired Unai Emery.
Mixed Results
On Wednesday night, Nice were dismantled 4-1 by Saint Etienne. That type of scoreline should be a warning sign for the Arsenal board. Vieira’s side have conceded five more goals than Arsenal this season, playing just one extra game. Nice have allowed 26 goals in just 16 games.
Holiday Period
With the busy holiday period, it is likely that Arsenal will not appoint a new boss until the new year. The club would be in a different position if the Premier League took a winter break like most of Europe’s top leagues. For the foreseeable future, Ljungberg will be in charge.
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