Report: Arsenal board identify new number one target, currently managing in France

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French outlet Nice-Matin have claimed that Arsenal have now identified OGC Nice manager and Invincibles captain Patrick Vieira as the club’s new number-one target to replace Unai Emery.

Arsenal are yet to announce a permanent replacement for Emery, after sacking him following last week’s 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League. Freddie Ljungberg has since been placed in temporary charge.

The likes of Max Allegri, Nuno Espirito Santo, Carlo Ancelotti, Brendan Rodgers and Marcelino have all been linked with the role, while Ljungberg has a chance to replace Emery – if he impressed in his stint as caretaker manager.

However, the latest report claims Vieira – who played 391 times for Arsenal and won three Premier League titles – is now the number one target for the Gunners board. He has won 22 of his 57 games at Nice, and managed New York City before that.

TBR’s view – Could Vieira do a Lampard?

On the face of it, Vieira has little experience and has struggled at Nice – winning considerably less than half of his matches in charge. Even at New York City, he won only 40 of 90 – despite boasting David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.

Lampard impressed in his first season of management at Derby, guiding them to the play-off final. But he has gone on another level since becoming Chelsea manager, and Vieira would have to do the same if he was to join Arsenal.

Certainly, he would have to do a lot better if given the Arsenal job. But being a Gunners legend, he has every chance.