Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants to sign former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira in the January transfer window. City are aiming for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season to secure Champions League football next term and currently sit in fifth place – two points and a place behind Spurs. Mancini, who has enjoyed a fine start to life as City boss, has targeted Vieira as the man to boost his midfield in the second half of the season and a move could go through in the next week. It is believed the 33-year-old is keen to return to the Premier League and knows Mancini very well – the pair worked together at Inter Milan and won Serie A twice in 2007 and 2008 together. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who was linked with a bid for the Frenchman earlier in the campaign, revealed City’s interest in the powerful midfielder. "Patrick needs to play,” said the Gunners boss. "I was surprised about Manchester City's interest because there were more talks about other clubs but it would be a good opportunity for him. "I believe he would still be very effective in the Premier League because he has been injury free for three or four months now and that is what he needed."