Patrick Vieira is Arsenal’s number one choice for their head coach job ahead of Mikel Arteta, according to reports in France.

Manu Lonjon claims negotiations are the ‘most advanced’ with current OGC Nice boss Vieira, and he’s their number one choice ahead of Arteta. The Manchester City assistant is merely an alternative option at this stage.

This starkly contrasts with everything else in the media over the last day or so. Most outlets reported Arteta was on track to take up the head coach job in the next few days. He only had a final meeting with Josh Kroenke to get through – considered a formality.

If Vieira is still in the running, even to the extent that he’s a current favourite, this isn’t over yet.

Whether Vieira or Arteta, it’s looking more and more likely Arsenal will have a new coach in charge by the time they face Everton this weekend. Check out betting tips ahead of the weekend fixtures at Betting Lounge.

For the record, we highlighted previously how convenient it is that all the French outlets (and specifically those in Nice) seem to think Vieira is the frontrunner.

There is evidence that Arsenal spoke to their former player last week. Even the reliable David Ornstein claims as much. Still, no one has him as the current favourite for the job outside France. If that changes in the near future, we’ll post an update.