3 Arsenal signings Patrick Vieira could make as Crystal Palace manager

Patrick Vieira is back in the Premier League and no, it isn’t as Arsenal manager in either 2018 or 2019, it’s as Crystal Palace boss after an agreement was reached for him to become Roy Hodgson’s successor.

Working as a pundit for ITV late into Monday night as France were knocked out of the European Championships at the hands of Switzerland, unbeknownst to most, Vieira had already agreed to take over the reins at Selhurst Park.

As Arsenal work hard to complete deals in the transfer window, one of their greatest ever will become an opponent for two matches in the calendar as The Athletic revealed his imminent arrival as Eagles boss.

It’s a huge move for him in his career, but above all, a daunting one. Crystal Palace have 12 senior players out on contract on June 30, seven of whom were regular starters for the club in last season’s campaign. Add to that the best chance of accruing any significant money for Wilfried Zaha passing by within the past two years and an extremely limited budget, and you do fear for the Frenchman.

3 Arsenal signings Patrick Vieira could make as Crystal Palace manager in the summer transfer window

This is where Arsenal could offer a ‘you scratch our back, we’ll scratch yours’ scenario. With a whole host of players in north London set for the exit doors, there are a few names who will be available for loan deals. There is no beating around the bush, Palace need bodies in.

Having become apparent that William Saliba will not be playing his football at Arsenal next season and another loan move could be sanctioned, it becomes essential that his next move, if he is to salvage any hope of a Gunners future, must be in the Premier League.

As it stands, centre-back trio Mamadou Sakho, Scott Dann and Gary Cahill are all out of contract on June 30.

Elsewhere in England Newcastle are keeping close tabs on Saliba’s situation and pushing for a move, as is half of Europe. Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Nice are among the Ligue 1 clubs chasing his signature, but it’s now time he got a taste of football on these shores.

Of course, Vieira may not want him. There is that rather glaring caveat. There is also a question of environment to consider and just because an Invincible has taken the reins at a club does not immediately ensure this is the perfect fit.

On paper, however, it does look like a deal that would suit all. Throw in the addition of a French coach and it may be a good step for Saliba – beyond the obvious that is, which would be staying at Arsenal and being given a chance.

Could more make the move south of the Thames?

Continued…