Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Leicester City to sign Jamie Vardy after triggering his £20 million release clause.
According to the Daily Mirror, Arsene Wenger is preparing to get the deal done after the 29-year-old this summer, with several other Premier League clubs interested in the England international.
It’s believed Liverpool offered the player £140,000-a-week, but the Gunners appear to be in pole position as the clause in his contract is only available to those will be competing in the Champions League next season.
Claudio Ranieri has made it clear that he does not intend to lose any of his star players that led Leicester to Premier League glory last season, but the Italian will not stand in any of his players’ way, should they decide they want to leave the King Power Stadium.
Vardy, who scored 24 goals last season, is currently being paid £60,000-a-week, and is thought to want a four-year deal worth around £120,000-a-week to remain at Leicester. Leicester will now look to offer the forward a new contract and try to buy-out the escape clause, but know they face a tough battle to do so now that Arsenal have moved in.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Vardy but were cautious as to whether to make an approach for him or not as they were concerned if last season was a one-off, and his age and size of his current deal also played a part.
However, with the release clause set at only £20 million, it appears Wenger and co. have decided to give it a shot.
We certainly need a striker and Vardy was easily one of the best forwards in the Premier League last season. Many may and will doubt if he can replicate his goal-scoring form next season, but for £20 million, it’s a ‘risk’ Arsenal should take.
If Vardy can bang in goals for Leicester City like he did last season, imagine what he could potentially do with the creativity and service Arsenal can provide him.
