Former Arsenal winger, Robert Pires has stated that ex-teammate, Patrick Vieira, is better suited to succeed former Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger than current favourite, Mikel Arteta.
Arteta is the leading candidate to succeed Wenger and his appointment could now be confirmed before the 2018 World Cup in Russia starts on June 14.
The Spaniard and his representatives, on Tuesday, held advanced negotiations with Arsenal’s hierarchy and are at a stage where backroom staff and financial packages are being discussed.
Pires believes Vieira remains the ideal candidate to step into Wenger’s shoes at the Emirates club.
“I have seen the shortlist: Allegri, Carlo Ancelotti, Mikel Arteta — why not? I think all of them could manage Arsenal,” he told BTSport.
“There’s maybe a small advantage for Allegri and Ancelotti as they both have a lot of experience in Italy, Germany and England.
“With Vieira — and this is only my opinion — yes. Not just because he’s my friend. Forget this.
“He is doing very well with New York City, and he told me the job is very hard and difficult.
“However, he has a very good profile to replace Arsene Wenger because he knows football, he knows the Premier League and of course he knows Arsenal.
‘So that’s why I say yes, Patrick Vieira is ready to manage Arsenal.”
Meanwhile, Pires and Vieira were teammates for six years at Arsenal.
Vieira was recently unhappy with the Gunners after holding talks with the club’s chiefs about replacing Wenger as manager.
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