Nigel Winterburn has admitted that he "would be delighted" if former Arsenal teammate Patrick Vieira succeeded Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium.

The 41-year-old has been installed as the bookies' favourite to replace Wenger, who announced on Friday morning that he will step down as manager next month.

Winterburn, who played under Wenger and alongside Vieira during a 13-year spell with the Gunners, believes that New York City FC boss Vieira would be a good choice, but has urged the club to take their time before making an appointment.

"If it is Patrick Vieira, I would be delighted with that. He's learning in America, he is somebody who has been a winner with Arsenal, which is so, so important," he told Sky Sports News. "I think he will be one of maybe 10 or 12 names thrown about in the coming months. I'd like anybody that can say to me they will move Arsenal back up.

"I still think it is going to be very, very difficult. I don't think it is a given that the new person will come in and be successful. They'll have to be patient, they'll have to look at the style of play, look at the changes that he is making to the team. It doesn't surprise me if I'm quite honest.

"I've done a lot of work around the club in the last few years, and there is a different feel around the stadium this year. The last four or five league games, the crowds are well down, I think it has run its natural course. Wenger has been absolutely amazing for Arsenal Football Club. He has kept the club relatively successful, but the one thing the fans wanted him to do was to get this Premier League title challenge and that hasn't happened.

"It feels like the right time, and he will be remembered fondly at this club. I think when people look back, they will really appreciate what he has done. I think it's right, everyone has a clear picture from now until the end of the season, they need to win the Europa League to get into the Champions League."

Brendan Rodgers, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri are also rumoured to be in the running to replace Wenger.