Arsenal transfer news: Jamie Vardy reveals why he snubbed a summer move to the Gunners
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy says he rejected a move to join Arsenal due to the concern of not suiting to their playing style. The England international was one of the Foxes' key members in their fairytale title triumph last season, finishing as the second top goal scorer in the Premier League with 24 goals just behind Harry Kane.
His performances also earned him a spot in the 2016 Euro tournament and tempted Arsenal to match his release clause. But the 29-year-old wasn't sure about the Gunner's possession-based playing style and snubbed them by singing a new contract at the King Power stadium.
"With people like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil creating chances, Arsenal felt they could benefit me as much as I could them," wrote Vardy.
"But I also thought about the tactical aspect.
"You look at Arsenal's style of play and they don't get the ball forward quickly in the same way Leicester do for those runs I like to make in behind the defence.
"One thing that didn't worry me was the idea that I wouldn't be the 'main man' at Arsenal."
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The forward played down the significance of loyalty and his team-mates in deciding to stay at the King Power Stadium.
"Players always come and go. It was more a case of seeing Leicester as a club that wanted to build on what we achieved with the title and I want to be part of that," Vardy wrote in his autobiography which was featured in The Sun.
"I'm happy with how everything has turned out.
"'The dream continues,' Claudio [Ranieri] texted me after I agreed to stay. That's exactly how I felt, too."
Not only Vardy but his teammate Riyad Mahrez also rejected a move to the Emirates in the summer transfer window by signing a new contract with the Foxes. Many key players who were a pivotal ingredient in the title triumph last season have signed contract extensions along with manager Claudio Ranieri to keep the squad intact for the current season as well.
The defending Champions have already endured a shaky start to the Premier League this season sitting in the 12th position with seven points. But Leicester City can surely keep hopes about clinching the UEFA Champions League this time, as they sit comfortably on top of Group G after a comfortable 1-0 win over Portuguese outfit FC Porto in the Champions League last night.