Patrick Vieira set for major Arsenal role in Edu attempt to beat Chelsea for £16.2m bargain

Patrick Vieira can give Arsenal the advantage over Chelsea in securing a signing to improve Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

According to Sun Sport, both Arsenal and Chelsea are chasing the signature of Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise despite only joining the South London side from Championship outfit Reading in the summer.

The Gunners will be busy in the summer transfer window after deciding to deal the January transfer window dealings for the market before next season begins.

Arsenal could have the nod ahead of Chelsea in securing Olise’s signature due to Vieira’s history with the north London side and the affection both parties have for each other.

Olise has primarily been used as a right-winger this season and thrived in the role after struggling with an injury early into the season.

However, the youngster can also play as an attacking midfielder or a number eight which was seen during his Reading days, and it would certainly benefit Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has had problems with the midfield this season due to the lack of quality in squad depth, and that has hindered the club’s progress at times.

If the Spaniard opts for three players in the centre of midfield then Olise would be an excellent option to have on the right-hand side for the future.

The Gunners are set to be short in this position in the summer as understands that Granit Xhaka at the end of the season.

This will mean that Thomas Partey would be the only experienced midfielder in the team, as Mohamed Elneny’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

While Olise has yet to complete a full season in the Premier League he has already shown the abilities that will shape him into one of the best players in the Premier League in the future.

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