Report: Patrick Vieira a 'Serious Contender' to Replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira is reportedly a key contender to take over from Gunners manager Arsene Wenger when the Frenchman finally steps down. 

According to Steve Stammers of the Daily Mail, Arsenal are looking for possible replacements for Wenger. Vieira, who is in charge at Major League Soccer side New York City FC, is a "serious contender."

Stammers added that Arsenal's ongoing travails have made it possible Wenger, 68, could soon step down, although it will be his choice and the club will not sack him.

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The former Monaco boss has been in charge at Arsenal since 1996 and signed a new two-year contract at the club less than a year ago.

Since then Arsenal have continued to struggle.

They look set to finish outside the top four for the second season running, and even if they win all five of their remaining Premier League matches in 2017-18, they will finish with their lowest points total since 2011.

The Gunners are also enduring a torrid time on the road, per Squawka:

There is still the possibility Wenger could save Arsenal's season by winning the UEFA Europa League and thus securing a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.

But Arsenal face a tough task to reach the final after being drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last four.

Even if the Gunners don't win the Europa League, though, Wenger is unlikely to be sacked, per Stammers.

In all likelihood, the earliest Wenger may decide to finally call it a day at Arsenal is at the end of next season.

If that is the case, the 41-year-old Vieira could still be a fine candidate to replace his old boss.

The former midfielder is a legend at Arsenal as a previous captain who won three Premier League titles and three FA Cups with the club.