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Football London
Football London
Sport
Andy Ha

William Saliba's Arsenal future takes a twist as Patrick Vieira decision confirmed

Nice have confirmed the sacking of manager Patrick Vieira after a run of five consecutive defeats and the club's exit from the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Ligue 1 side finished fifth last season, but Vieira has failed to build on the progress made, and Nice currently sit 11th in the table.

Nice's 3-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen proved to be the final straw for the Ligue 1 club, who have relieved Vieira of his duties.

In a statement, Nice wrote: "During an interview after last night's meeting, the Nice board informed Patrick Vieira of its decision to end their collaboration.

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"The management of the red and black club made the decision to entrust Adrien Ursea with the mission of leading the professional team from today.

"The Swiss-Romanian technician, until now assistant coach of Patrick Vieira after being that of Lucien Favre will make his first match on the Nice bench as head coach during the trip to Reims this Sunday.

"Patrick Vieira will have put all his heart and his professionalism at the service of OGC Nice during the 30 months that this common adventure will have lasted.

"The Nice managers would like to sincerely thank the former French international for his involvement in the development of the Club and wish him the best for the rest of his coaching career."

Vieira's departure from Nice could affect the future plans for Arsenal defender William Saliba.

Saliba was reportedly being eyed by the Arsenal legend ahead of a potential January move.

According to But! Football Club, Vieira was on the lookout for a defender and Saliba was among his chief targets.

Saliba still hasn't managed to break into Arteta's plans and is yet to feature in any of Arsenal 's first-team games in the Premier League, Europa League or Carabao Cup.

The reports in France had claimed that Saliba could be offered a temporary exit in the form a loan move to Nice until the end of the season under former Gunners midfielder Vieira.

But with Vieira's sacking, it now appears a potential move to Nice is off the table, with Saliba's former club Saint-Etienne thought to be favourites to re-sign the youngster on loan for the second time.

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