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.
