Patrick Vieira has admitted he couldn’t ignore a call from Arsenal.
The Gunners efforts to appoint a new manager are in full swing and Vieira is reportedly one of the leading candidates to take over.
Technical director Edu is pushing for the hiring of Vieira and the Nice manager has refused to rule out a return to his former club.
‘You can never ignore a club where you’ve spent nine years,’ he told Canal Plus.
‘But, honestly, I’m focused on this project at Nice, I feel very good here. It’s a very exciting project.
‘I’ve always said that I’m very happy in Nice.
‘We’re all working to move the club forward and there is potential’
Unai Emery was sacked last month after a year-and-half in charge, the first man to oversee Arsenal since the departure of Arsene Wenger.
Freddie Ljungberg will be the interim coach while Arsenal search for a new manager, but it has been a woeful start for the Swede at the helm.
A 2-1 defeat to Brighton at home has left Arsenal in eleventh place in the Premier League, just four points above the relegation zone.
Although Edu wants Vieira for the full-time role, the Frenchman has hardly impressed in his time at Nice.
The French side are resisting calls from fans to sack Vieira, with his side 13th in Ligue 1.
A 4-1 victory over Metz at the weekend has eased tension at the club, although Vieira has reportedly told friends he would be keen on coaching Arsenal.
Vieira began his coaching career in the Manchester City youth set-up and captained Arsenal as a player.
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