Mikel Arteta could well lead Arsenal to a first Premier League title since 2004, but club chief Edu previously pushed for Patrick Vieira to be appointed before him.
That was back in 2019 when the Gunners were looking for a new manager having sacked Unai Emery. The Spaniard replaced Arsene Wenger when his lengthy tenure eventually ended, but he lasted less than 18 months, leaving the north Londoners on the hunt for someone new.
Freddie Ljungberg had attempted to steady a sinking ship as caretaker whilst the hierarchy reviewed their options. The likes of Brendan Rodgers and Max Allegri were considered but Edu was keen to have his former team-mate Vieira, who was then in charge of Nice, join him once again, according to The Times.
The Arsenal legend had also coached at New York FC, but was keen to cut it as a manager in Europe. Eventually though the Gunners board opted to hire another former player in Arteta, who had cut his teeth as Pep Guardiola's No 2 at Manchester City, but had never held the top job.
He endured a mixed start to life with Arteta's first full season seeing the Gunners finish in eighth having endured a seven-match winless run midway through the campaign. Last term he and Vieira met for the first time as managers, playing out a 2-2 draw in north London.
In the return fixture Arsenal were undone 3-0 on a Monday night, but have since gained revenge with an opening day win at Selhurst Park to set them on an incredible run that has them poised to win the most surprising of Premier Leagues given their pre-season expectations.
Edu and Arteta have proved to be a hugely successful double act since teaming up despite the Brazilian considering other options before appointing the current boss. Arteta has continued to be backed in the market with Arsenal opting to target younger players.
That has seen them bring in the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus, who are all pillars of their current success. Palace meanwhile under the leadership of Vieira are in a tricky predicament after a promising first year under the Frenchman that saw them make the last four of the FA Cup.
Vieira is out to prove himself in the top flight having been sacked whilst in charge at Nice. The Eagles currently find themselves in midtable, but without a win in their last nine games. The Palace boss was quizzed on his side's form and admitted: “I think if I’m sitting in front of you and telling you that I’m not concerned it will be a lie." The Eagles go to Arsenal next weekend where Vieira and Arteta will go at it once more.
