Nice boss Patrick Vieira has denied holding talks with Arsenal prior to Mikel Arteta's appointment as head coach.
Arteta officially began work at Emirates Stadium on Sunday after agreeing a three-and-a-half-year deal to succeed Unai Emery last week.
Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi said he and technical director Edu spoke to 'several top-class candidates,' one of which was rumoured to be Vieira.
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Former Gunners captain Vieira was linked with the role throughout the recruitment process but, in an interview with Canal Football Club, claimed there was no substance to the speculation.
Asked if he had been contacted, Vieira - who has also been linked to David Beckham's MLS franchise Inter Miami - said: "No.