Patrick Vieira is pondering a coaching offer at Manchester City.
The Daily Star says City boss Roberto Mancini - who made Vieira his first capture 15 months ago - wants him to stay, as he is a calming influence in a potentially explosive dressing room.
The Italian believes Vieira can continue to play a major part in the mega-rich club's revolution and oversee a new generation of trophy winners.
Mancini said: "Patrick has been fantastic. Every time he played he was a like a father figure for other players."
A playing-coaching role at Arsenal, where he is seen as a hero after almost a decade of winning silverware, is another option, as Vieira weighs up his next move.
"We have been in discussions with City for a while, with no conclusion," said a spokesman for the player.
"We have talked about many things and Patrick has many options. He is at that time in his career when he has to decide what to do."
