Arsenal could be getting closer to signing a striker after reportedly triggering the release clause in the contract of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, according to reports in the Mirror.
The 29-year-old caught the attention of many clubs across England after he scored 24 goals to fire the Foxes to Premier League glory last season. Arsenal and Liverpool are both locked in the battle to land the forward but as it stands now the Emirates outfits are leading the race.
Liverpool’s failure to offer him Champions League football next season was their undoing despite reportedly offering a lucrative £140,000-a-week deal, paving the way for Arsenal. The Mirror reported that the North London club has made a bid of £20 million for him triggering the release clause in his contract.
The former Stockbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town forward signed a new three-year contract in February which increased his wages to £80,000 per week as per Sky Sports and even at that Arsenal are ready to offer him higher wages to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.
Vardy is currently on international duty with England ahead of Euro 2016 and it is believed that the deal could be wrapped up early, as England boss Roy Hodgson does not want players to be involved in transfer talks to avoid distractions.
Since making his England first appearance in 2015, he has netted three times in eight internationals appearance.
Leicester signed Vardy from Fleetwood – then non-league – in 2012 and helped them to gain promotion to the Championship and subsequently to the Premier League.
Ex- Everton winger Kevin Kilbane when invited by BBC Radio 5 live:
“When the big clubs come calling, they might not come again. I think you go.
“You want to test yourself against the best and with better players. Technically, Arsenal are a better side than Leicester.”
Arsene Wenger has plans to reinforce the team this summer and has already showed that with the early signing of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach. The French manager also wants to add a forward and a defender as he rebuilds the team for next season.
Danny Welbeck is out injured for nine months, Olivier Giroud has been inconsistent, and despite netting 24 times in all competitions, the France international went 15 goals without finding the back of the net, necessitating the need for additions upfront.
However, Vardy’s deal could come as a surprise to the Gooners as Wenger usually doesn’t spend big on players approaching 30. The decision ultimately resides with the player, and if he is interested in taking up this challenge of propelling the Gunners to the summit of the European football again.
