Arsenal might be tapping into former Gunners to take the place of sacked manager Unai Emery. The latest names that reportedly are in serious consideration to taking the lead at the Emirates are Patrick Vieira and Mikel Arteta, both noted for bringing honors to the North London club in their heydays.
Reports said Arsenal would want to bring back any of the two in the hopes of reversing the Gunners' unimpressive performance in the season.
Citing media reports from France, Metro said Vieira is in contention to take over from Emery and there might be a chance he would grab the opportunity of returning to the Premier League. At the moment, though, the Frenchman is tied to a coaching job in Italy and will not be available until 2021.
However, the same report indicated that Arsenal could bring Vieira over no matter his current circumstances.
When asked about the possibility of heading the struggling Gunners, Vieira said it is a scenario that hasn't crossed his mind, for now, adding "it's a very difficult job," that awaits him.
He added that the position does not offer security, so anyone taking it has to be prepared to suffer the same fate that befell Emery.
"It's always sad to see a coach lose his job... Today it's his turn and tomorrow maybe it will be me. When you throw yourselves into this job, you have to expect to be sacked one day," Vieira was reported as saying.
If Vieira will pass off the job, Arsenal has another candidate in Arteta, who presently is part of the Manchester City coaching staff. The Sun said City boss Pep Guardiola seemed to have been informed of Arteta's imminent exit and preparations are being made to look for a replacement.
"The Spaniard is one of the leading candidates to take the job and return to the Emirates where he finished his career," per the same report.
It was understood that Guardiola would not prevent Arteta from accepting an offer from Arsenal. However, if indeed the Gunners will hire Arteta, the club must be prepared to pay compensation to City.
Arteta's deal with City will not expire until the summer of 2021.
Arsenal sacked Emery Friday last week following the string of defeats that the Gunners suffered. Freddie Ljungberg was appointed in his stead, but the club has made clear the Swede will serve in an interim capacity.
Apart from Vieira and Arteta, reports pointed to Mauricio Pochettino as one of the favored candidates to take the job that Emery has abruptly vacated. But the Argentine manager appeared more inclined to wait out on the rumored sacking of Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
