Following Arsene Wenger’s departure from the club, one of the favourites in succeeding the French boss was one of his former players. Patrick Vieira reportedly held talks with the Gunners board of directors, but was ‘disappointed’ and regarded the discussions as a ‘token gesture’.
Since the news, it was reported that Vieira will be staying in New York to continue coaching MLS side, New York City. However, latest reports from the Sun suggest that the French World Cup winner is returning to his homeland after holding talks with OGC Nice regarding their management position.
A number of newspapers in the United Kingdom and the French media outlet, L’Equpie, have reported on Sunday that he has agreed to a deal with the south of France club, replacing Lucien Favre, who has gone to Borussia Dortmund.
Targeted by Nantes and Rennes in the past, Vieira has so far rebuffed interest in his services from France. It is often thought it will take a special club for him as he was often preferred to continue his learning within the Manchester City hierarchy and the City Football Group.
Often seen as Pep Guardiola’s successor, Vieira has shown himself to be an intelligent operator and a thinker of a head coach. The team plays attractive, modern, and most importantly winning football, the kind that will go down well at the Emirates Stadium, Etihad Stadium or the Allianz Riviera in the near future.
Sky Sports are the only sources reporting that no deal has been agreed with the French club, who finished eighth in Ligue 1 this season.
Should he decide to move to football management in Europe, his first task would be to keep Jean Michael Seri, who is reportedly close to signing with Arsenal or Chelsea.
A potential deal breaker for Arsenal in the transfer, depending on the former midfielder’s view of the club following the ‘token gesture’ talks over the summer. Or, it may prove pivotal in singing for the North London club as Vieira has previously talked highly of the Gunners in the past after he left for Juventus in 2005.
