Ex-Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has confirmed that he was not even contacted by the Gunners about the manager’s job at the Emirates.

The Nice head coach was tipped as one of a number of candidates to succeed Unai Emery before Mikel Arteta’s appointment but when asked if his former club had been in contact, Vieira replied:

“No. It’s flattering seeing your name everywhere but I am under contract with Nice. I have known since I arrived how lucky I am to be involved with this club’s project. I don’t have any intention or desire to go and look elsewhere.”

The snub is a surprise considering Head of Football Raul Sanllehi had claimed they had appointed Arteta because he “understands Arsenal football club.” The Spaniard spent five years with the Gunners so that statement is certainly correct, but it is equally true of Vieira.

The Frenchman spent nine years of his professional career with Arsenal but it appears his coaching record was not enough to sufficiently convince the London club’s hierarchy that he merited an interview.

Fans will be hoping that the Gunners have indeed made the right choice by identifying Arteta as the man to lead the club forward.