By Simon Cass

PUBLISHED: 17:45 EST, 7 February 2013 | UPDATED: 17:45 EST, 7 February 2013

Patrick Vieira is in line for a sensational return to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger sounded him out about the job of replacing Liam Brady as head of youth development.

Former Arsenal skipper Vieira, who won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups under Wenger, has joined fellow Gunners legend Dennis Bergkamp on a shortlist of potential candidates for the post of nurturing the next generation of stars.

Vieira is Manchester City's football development executive, a post he has held since 2011.

Tempted? Arsenal hope to bring Patrick Vieira back to the Emirates

Tempted? Arsenal hope to bring Patrick Vieira back to the Emirates

However, the 36-year-old is understood to be tempted by a reunion with Wenger and the chance to return to work on the training pitch rather than continue with the largely ambassadorial role he performs at City.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have abandoned their pursuit of Barcelona's David Villa after their approaches were rebuffed in the January transfer window, and are set to make 25million-rated Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic the club's No 1 summer target.

Wenger is convinced Jovetic can become his next Robin van Persie and is prepared to smash the club's transfer record - the 15m paid to sign Andrey Arshavin - to land the Montenegro striker.

Heading the list? Dennis Bergkamp (top) is on the list alongside Vieira for Liam Brady's role

Heading the list? Dennis Bergkamp (top) is on the list alongside Vieira for Liam Brady's role

Final destination: Vieira saw out the remainder of his career at manchester City, where he is now their football development executive

Final destination: Vieira saw out the remainder of his career at manchester City, where he is now their football development executive

The comments below have not been moderated.

For all the Arsenal fans who think Vieira betrayed them, Mancini took him under his wing when he was out-of contract ....Wenger could've sounded him out then, but didn't - Mike , Summer, United Kingdom, 08/2/2013 02:05 - He did, it was everywhere at the time and he took a higher salary at Man City and rejected Arsenal....not exactly endearing himself to the fans here is he?

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Arsenal are a joke! They and their fans are delusional! - Boss , Bloomington, 08/2/2013 05:38 - and why is that dross.....I mean boss?

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Arsenal are a joke! They and their fans are delusional!

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If Dennis wants the job he should get it because, as many have said, he has the coaching credentials. His chances of managing a top club are probably hindered by his phobia of flying (imagine a manager that can't attend most away matches in Europe) so a role such as this is perfect for him. He seems to have the right personality to be able to work well with young players too. You need someone who is calm and grounded and someone that is a suitable role-model. Only problem is that he might want to stay at Ajax. Vieira doesn't strike me as the right person for the job. He has never been a coach and he is rumoured to have chosen City over Arsenal when he finished playing, due to the wages no doubt. Also for all his great performances he wasn't always the ideal role model, he had a very poor disciplinary record.

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Lest we forget it was Viera who started Cole down the path of "nearly swerving off the road". It was Viera that agitated for a move for each and every one of his last 4 seasons at Arsenal. It was also Viera that took the money, swallowed his pride and ended up on the staff at City. Not sure if I fancy him back at Arsenal, he's also done nothing to prove he has ANY coaching credentials at all. Great player and Arsenal legend, whose star has dimmed somewhat with his actions....Bergkamp all the way for me.

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Do the right thing Patrick . I know you want to come back Arsenal.

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Dennis has proven to be a success with Ajax so he should be the obvious choice.....

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I dont understand football fans these days. Just because i player leaves doesnt make them a traitor. Vieras contract was up and Mancini took him! Iv Viera left ia transfer request for money i could see why but he did not, wasnt he part of the invincibles? How could arsenal fans hate him..

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For all the Arsenal fans who think Vieira betrayed them, Mancini took him under his wing when he was out-of contract ....Wenger could've sounded him out then, but didn't

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Viera can do one little traitor, bring in King Bergkamp

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