Patrick Vieira 'happy' to be linked with Arsenal, and 'ready' to take top job

Vieira is reported to be a candidate to replace his former mentor Arsene Wenger when he leaves the club at the end of the season.

Wenger’s former captain has been managing MLS side New York City FC since 2016 and has his side top of the Eastern Conference after eight matches played.

Vieira is happy to be the subject of speculation, although he has warned that leaving NYCFC would be “difficult” at present.

“I mentally know what’s going on, what people are saying,” Vieira told The Times. “And I’m really happy about that because I think it’s good to have your name linked with a team like Arsenal but honestly it’s not something which will stop me doing what I am doing at the moment.

“I don’t want this to be perceived that I want to go because I don’t want to leave. But if the question is as simple as ‘are you ready to manage any teams in Europe?’ then I would say yes. I am ready. I think we’re all doing this job because one day we want to coach the biggest teams in Europe. Just like when you’re a player, you want to play for the biggest clubs.

“If the call came it would be really difficult. It would be difficult because we will be in the middle of the season. And like every time that I’ve been approached by any teams, I’m sitting with the guys from the CFG and will let them know. They will make the decision because I’m under contract here.

“It’s not just about checking my phone. It’s going to be more complex than that because I’m under contract.”