Arsenal 'make Patrick Vieira favourite to replace Unai Emery' with Gunners legend impressing as Nice boss

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Patrick Vieira has been established as the favourite to become Arsenal's next manager, according to reports in France. 

The former midfielder, who was part of Arsenal's famous Invincibles team under Arsene Wenger, is said to be viewed by the board as the top candidate to replace axed boss Unai Emery. 

French newspaper Nice-Matin reveal that the Nice boss has impressed chiefs at the Emirates and he is now being viewed as a serious candidate to be Emery's successor at the Emirates Stadium.   

Patrick Vieira has reportedly emerged as a leading contender for the vacant Arsenal position

Since sacking Unai Emery, the Gunners are searching for their next long-term appointment

A number of candidates have been linked to the vacant Arsenal post with Mikel Arteta, Nuno Espirito Santo, Massimiliano Allegri and Brendan Rodgers other name associated with the job.    

Vieira was hugely popular in north London as a player having spent nine years at the club and captaining them for three years.

The Nice boss attempted to play down talk of a switch back to Arsenal, this time as a manager, ahead of a match in Ligue 1 on Wednesday. 

Vieira was part of the club's Invincibles (left) side but is now impressing as manager at Nice

'I feel like it vexes you more than me or the club,' he told reporters. 'There is nothing to say about it. There is nothing serious, nothing real. I have no comments to make about that.' 

Vieira's Invincibles team-mate Ljungberg is leading the side now and his ambitions of getting the job started with a 2-2 draw away at Norwich. 

He will get another opportunity to show his credentials on Thursday night at home against Brighton.  

Vieira has been of interest since he began his managerial career in the MLS with New York City in 2016. Having impressed in the United States he moved to France two seasons later.

He guided Nice to seventh in his first season at the club, but they are now finding life tougher as they sit struggling 14th this term.

Vieira's Invincibles team-mate Freddie Ljungberg is currently in temporary charge at Arsenal