Patrick Vieira Plays Down Links to Arsenal Job as Emmanuel Petit Calls for His Appointment

Patrick Vieira has denied claims that he's in talks to replace Arsenal interim manager Freddie Ljungberg at the Emirates Stadium.

The Swede has been handed the reins on a short-term basis following Unai Emery's sacking in late November. He's believed to be one of many candidates for the full-time job, with Nice coach Vieira being heavily linked with a return to north London, having guided ‎Les Aiglons to seventh place in Ligue 1 last year.

Before his side's 4-1 loss at St Etienne on Wednesday evening, the ​Arsenal legend was asked about the possibility of taking over at the Emirates Stadium, to which he replied (as quoted by ​Nice Matin): "I get the feeling that it bothers you more than me or the club.

"There is nothing to say about it, there is nothing serious, nothing real. I have no comments to make about that."

Despite Vieira's comments, former teammate Emmanuel Petit has revealed the 43-year-old is his preferred appointment, saying to RMC Sport: "I would like Patrick to be the coach of Arsenal, I would like a former Gunner to take responsibility.

"The problem with Freddie [Ljungberg] is that I do not know what he can do. He was Emery's assistant, and he saw what he was doing internally and on the field, but I never saw him take a stance or try to have communicate with Emery or some players."

​Manchester City assistant coach Mikel Arteta remains the favourite to replace the Spaniard in the dugout, with Vieira frequently discussing his satisfaction with life in south-west France.

However, the World Cup winner has been heavily criticised by local media after Nice's testing start to the 2019/20 campaign, which has left them in 14th place in the Ligue 1 standings.

Vieira is contracted to the club until 2021, but his position has come under threat after mounting speculation that he could be removed from his post in the coming months.

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