Jamie Vardy’s proposed transfer to Arsenal has remained inconclusive after the Leicester City striker departed England for EURO 2016 with the deal yet to be finalized.
The forward was expected to complete his move to the Emirates Stadium following the reports that flooded the media that he was set to undergo medicals at the club on Sunday after Arsenal had reportedly triggered the £20 million release clause in his contract.
However, according to the Mirror, the 29-year-old has remained undecided and instead joined his national team-mates to fly to France for the European championship on Monday. The Mirror also claimed that England boss Roy Hodgson had given him time to sort out his future before teaming up with his mates on Tuesday.
It is reported that the Foxes are preparing a lucrative offer for him to counter Arsenal’s offer of four-year contract reported to worth around £120,000 per week, which is double his current wage at the King Power stadium.
However, Wenger is still hoping to complete the deal before England opening match against Russia on Saturday.
The Evening standard claim Arsenal are in talks with the Hammers about the signing of Walcott. Rumours have been on for several weeks that the Gunners and Walcott were ready to part company with reports that the 27-year-old former England star has “grown frustrated due to absence in first team football”.
Meanwhile Arsenal were said to be tired of his inconsistency and injury record, and while the Hammers are keen to get him, the Standard says wage seems to be “an issue”. Therefore, if that may be the issue he have to cut pay in his quest for a club that can give way for first team football.
In the light of his non-appearance, next term the North Londoners will reportedly move for Riyad Mahrez. In addition, despite the speculation around Vardy’s transfer, Arsenal have reportedly opened talks to sign his Leicester team-mates Mahrez, according to the Sun.
Arsene Wenger wants an attacking midfielder at the club and has targeted the Algerian international among others to bolster the midfield.
The 25-year-old together with Vardy led the Foxes to Premier League glory last season and Wenger is reportedly keen to have the pair at the Emirates Stadium next season. Mahrez moved to Leicester City from French club Le Havre in January 2014 for just £400,000 and signed a new contract, which included a buy-out clause last year August.
The Sun reported that Arsenal are ready to activate the buy-out clause having discovered that his release fee is low. Mahrez scored 17 goals last season and provided 11 assist. He was the Premier League fifth top scorer.
