Arsenal transfer news: Patrick Vieira plans to scupper Gunners summer deal
ARSENAL may be denied a stunning summer transfer due to club legend Patrick Vieira.
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The Frenchman was unveiled as the new manager of Ligue 1 outfit Nice on Sunday.
And Vieira has already got to work ensuring he keeps hold of his best players ahead of his first season in charge.
A host of Nice stars are being linked with moves away this summer, including former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italian is a target for a number of Italian outfits and Unai Emery's Arsenal.
But Vieira admits he has already opened talks with Balotelli over a stay at the Allianz Riviera.
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I spoke with him to wish him happy holidays and to tell him that we are waiting for him on July 2
"My past as a footballer no longer matters," he told reporters.
"The only important thing is to have clear ideas about what I want from my players, a precise scheme to ensure that they can express themselves at their best I was very impressed by the relationship between the players and the fans.
"Unfortunately, such a strong union is so strong in Balotelli.
"I spoke with him to wish him happy holidays and to tell him that we are waiting for him on July 2."
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Napoli, Roma and Sampdoria are all planning to rival Arsenal for Balotelli's signature this summer.
The controversial figure has enjoyed a resurgence in his career since joining Nice, and has recently returned to the Italian national team.
Balotelli and Vieira played together at City and Inter Milan.