ARSENAL technical director Edu is reportedly pushing for his former team-mate Patrick Vieira to be handed the job as the club’s new manager.
The pair played together for four trophy-laden years at Highbury, in which they won the famous “Invincibles” title in 2003-04.
And Brazilian Edu wants to bring his former skipper back to North London.
The club have been managerless since sacking the hapless Unai Emery on November 29.
And the Times report that, while there is an extensive list of possible contenders, Edu is pushing hard for the appointment of Vieira.
The Arsenal legend is currently managing Nice in Ligue 1 – where he has been since 2018 after leaving New York City FC.
The 43-year-old guided the French side to seventh in the table in his debut campaign last time out – but they currently sit 11th in the French top flight this term.
As well as managing MLS outfit NYCFC, Vieira has also coached Manchester City’s academy.
Vieira is an Arsenal legend, having made 391 appearances under Arsene Wenger between 1996 and 2005, winning three league titles and three FA Cups.
Another of Edu’s former team-mates, Freddie Ljungberg, currently holds the reins at the Emirates.
And while Arsenal have not ruled out the Swede earning the job on a permanent basis.
The dismal performances in the 2-2 draw at Norwich and 2-1 home defeat to Brighton since taking charge have not helped Ljungberg’s chances.
Brendan Rodgers was in the frame before signing his bumper new contract at Leicester.
And Massimiliano Allegri appears to have ruled himself out of the running.
Interim boss Freddie Ljungberg will still be in the hotseat when Arsenal take on another of his former sides, West Ham, on Monday night.
