Former midfielder Emmanuel Petit has admitted that he would like to see ex-teammate Patrick Vieira named as the new manager of Arsenal.
On Friday, Arsene Wenger revealed that he would leave the Gunners at the conclusion of the current campaign to bring to an end a 22-year spell at the North London outfit.
Vieira is currently regarded as one of the favourites to replace Wenger, and Petit - who spent three years with Arsenal between 1997 and 2000 - has claimed that his French compatriot is keen to secure a high-profile job in Europe.
The 47-year-old told Paddy Power News: "I'm a great friend of Patrick, so perhaps I am biased, but with everything he has done with Manchester City and New York City FC, and the way he is regarded by fans of Arsenal, I would be very happy if Arsenal decided to appoint him as the next manager.
"I don't know if that will happen, but I hope it does for Patrick's sake. I know he wants to come back to Europe to manage a team, and I guarantee that he loves Arsenal very much.
"The last time we spoke together about his future, he was very grateful to be working in the USA, but it's a first step for him. One day he has to manage a big team in Europe or the Premier League - that's what he's working towards, that's what he expects."
Brendan Rodgers, Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti are also said to be contenders for the role.
Darren Plant
