Arsenal transfer news: Gunners fear Jamie Vardy rejection as England striker fails to make contact after contract offer
Arsenal activated Vardy's £20m release clause but are yet to hear back from the England striker
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal fear Jamie Vardy’s silence could result in the England striker snubbing them in order to stay with Leicester City after the Premier League champions made an improved counter offer, with Vardy failing to contact Arsenal before he flew out to France for the Euro 2016 Championship.
Vardy had told Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that he would inform him of his decision over whether to join the Gunners or not by the time the England squad departed London Luton Airport on their way to France.
However, The Independent understands that Vardy did not get in touch with Arsenal to discuss the transfer, and the north London side now face an agonising wait to discover if they have signed the 29-year-old, who scored 24 goals in the Premier League last season.
After promising Wenger that he would inform him of his decision, Vardy’s no-show has left Arsenal fearing the worst. Arsenal activated Vardy’s £20m release clause last Friday, but despite offering the England international wages of up to £120,000-a-week, it appears he is considering accepting Leicester’s improved terms to remain at the King Power Stadium.
While the Foxes cannot match Arsenal’s offer, they have reportedly offered Vardy a package that would take his salary towards the six-figure mark, meaning he will be the highest-paid player in the Leicester squad by some margin.
One factor that could draw out the process for the next month is that Hodgson will not allow player representatives to attend the England team hotel during Euro 2016, meaning Arsenal could be forced to wait until mid-July before hearing back from the former Fleetwood Town striker.
Vardy’s Leicester team-mates contacted the Football Writers’ Association’s Player of the Year to try and persuade him into staying at the King Power Stadium, with Claudio Ranieri’s side poised for Champions League football next season after completing the most incredible Premier League triumph this season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments