Patrick Vieira confirms Arsenal talks

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 June 2018

New York City FC boss and former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira confirms that the Gunners spoke to him during their search for a new manager.

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira has confirmed that the club spoke to him during their search for a replacement for Arsene Wenger.

Vieira, who is currently in charge of New York City FC in the MLS, was one of a host of names linked with the post before the Gunners confirmed Unai Emery as their first new boss since 1996.

However, Vieira revealed that talks with Arsenal were brief and did not go any further than an initial conversation as the club instead looked at other targets.

"Their executives met through a process which included a conversation with me but it didn't go any further," Vieira told The Times.

"I have been allowed to grow as a coach and gain valuable experience. That has helped me become much more clear in my approach, my vision of football.

"A game is there to be won. I want to enjoy myself on the bench, to have a team play football I want to see. To be bold."

Vieira made more than 400 appearances for Arsenal between 1996 and 2005, leading the club to three Premier League titles and three FA Cups.