Arsenal icon set for reunion with controversial former Liverpool star after agreeing new job

Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira is reportedly set to return to the dugout as Genoa manager. The former France midfielder has been out of management since leaving Strasbourg by mutual consent in July.

Vieira had signed a three-year deal with the French top-flight club in July 2023 but lasted a mere 12 months before stepping down after becoming the first appointment under BlueCo, the company ran by Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

The 48-year-old has a two-year spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace between 2021 and 2023 before he was relieved of his duties at Selhurst Park.

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The Frenchman enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in England's top-flight, finishing 12th and reaching the FA Cup semi-final only to be beaten by Chelsea. His run came to an end the following season after a spell of 12 games without a win, leaving them just three points outside the relegation zone.

His time at Strasbourg was equally problematic after an eight-game winless sequence with fans expressing hostility towards the American owner and their recruitment structure. Now, it has been claimed by Fabrizio Romano and Matte Moretto that Vieira is on the verge of becoming the head coach in Serie A.

Former Italy striker Alberto Gilardino is currently in position in northern Italy. However, there is a suggestion that Vieira is about to replace the 42-year-old after just two wins in their opening 12 matches in the Italian top-flight.

In a tweet, Romano reported: " Genoa appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach to replace Alberto Gilardino.

"Agreement done as Vieira will start work at Genoa this week."

The move would see Vieria reunite with former Manchester City teammate Mario Balotelli. The Italian striker recently returned to his native country in a bid to help Genoa push clear of the bottom three - which they are currently just one point clear of.

As well as being teammates at the Etihad Stadium, Vieira has been in charge of Balotelli too from their time together at OGC Nice. However, Balotelli has previously opened up about how a difference in playing style saw the former Inter Milan and Liverpool striker leave the French club.

He said: "I lived in Villefranche, and it was crazy. I was smiling every day, I went to the sea every day. It was a dream life.

"The problem was that the way Vieira played didn’t really suit me. I got along well with him, but on sporting matters, I didn’t agree. If I hadn’t had these problems with him, I would never have left Nice."