ETIHAD BLOCKING VIEIRA

in the Gunners’ boardroom as candidates to take the hot seat.

Vieira is in charge of New York FC – part of the Etihad empire. Arteta is part of the coaching staff under Pep Guardiola.

Vieira has been earmarked as Guardiola’s eventual replacement at City, while Everton and Wales were interested in speaking to Arteta earlier this season. The pair are deemed crucial to City’s long-term plans by Etihad chiefs.

Wenger favours a former Arsenal player to succeed him.

The other name in the Arsenal frame is former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique (left). Also wanted by Chelsea, Enrique has been sounded out by Gunners representatives in the last week.