Arsenal want Patrick Vieira as next manager?

Arsenal have reportedly earmarked former captain Patrick Vieira as the leading candidate to succeed Unai Emery as the permanent manager.

The Gunners have lined up as many as 12 candidates for the head coach role and Mikel Arteta, Brendan Rodgers and Carlo Ancelotti are some of the leading names.

However, according to Nice-Matin, the north London giants are seriously looking at the prospect of recruiting Vieira, who has been managing Nice over the past 18 months.

Vieira has experienced mixed fortunes with the French outfit but the Gunners' hierarchy believe that he has the leadership qualities and his presence could lift the team and fans alike.

Meanwhile, reports elsewhere suggest that Ancelotti could emerge as the leading candidate to replace Emery and the Gunners could land him without a compensation fee.

Ancelotti has endured a tough period with Napoli, who are lying seventh in the Serie A and reports have emerged that he could be sacked, if the club fail to beat Udinese on Saturday.