Jamie Vardy: Leicester striker signs new contract to signal Arsenal transfer snub

Leicester secure the England striker on a new four-year contract, making him the most lavishly paid player in the club's history

Samuel Stevens
Thursday 23 June 2016 05:07 EDT
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Jamie Vardy scored 24 goals in Leicester's league-winning campaign
Jamie Vardy scored 24 goals in Leicester's league-winning campaign (Getty)

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Leicester City have confirmed Jamie Vardy has agreed to extend his contract with the Premier League champions for four years.

The 29-year-old was subject to a £20m bid from Arsenal last month, meeting the release clause in his contract, but Vardy has elected to turn down the 13-time champions of England.

Vardy, named the Football Writers' Footballer of the Year in May, scored 24 goals last season to propel Leicester to the most unlikely Premier League title triumph in recent history.

Securing the former Fleetwood Town striker to a new contract, making him the most lavishly paid player in the club's history, represents a massive coup for the Foxes as they look ahead to their maiden campaign in the Champions League.

A statement on Leicester's website on Thursday morning said: "Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie’s future and confirm his long term commitment to Leicester City Football Club.

"Jamie will continue to focus all of his efforts on trying to achieve success with the England team at the European Championships in France. There will be no further comment from either the club or the player on this matter until the conclusion of the tournament."

Arsenal hoped a lucrative £120,000-a-week contract over three years, with the option for a fourth season, would persuade Vardy to leave the East Midlands.

The England striker, who scored for Roy Hodgson's men against Wales last week, was offered improved terms on his previous £60,000-a-week package at the King Power Stadium and will now earn in the region of £100,000-a-week.

Leicester players celebrate winning the Premier League

In a recent interview with Chinese television, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "Jamie Vardy is, at the moment, at Leicester and from what I know, he will stay at Leicester."

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