Arsenal linked coach Patrick Vieira has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Claudio Ranieri at Ligue 1 outfit FC Nantes at the end of the season.

The Premier League winning manager is expected to leave Nantes in the summer and has been in talks with several clubs in Europe, including in England and Italy.




Nantes are aware that they might lose Ranieri at the end of the season and work is already under way to make sure they are ready should the Italian choose to leave.

The Ligue 1 club have already been in talks with candidates and according to French sports daily L’Equipe, Vieira is believed to be on their shortlist of targets.
 


Currently in charge of New York City FC in the MLS, the former Gunners captain is believed to be keen on taking charge of a club in Europe and is believed to be on Arsenal’s radar to replace Arsene Wenger.  

relatedNewsStory

He rejected overtures from Saint-Etienne and Rennes last year and the former France midfielder is claimed to be waiting for an offer from a club competing in the Champions League.

It remains to be seen whether Vieira will be prepared to make the jump back to Europe should Nantes knock on his door and ask him to replace Ranieri.