One would have thought Jamie Vardy would have jumped at the chance to sign for Arsenal when the Gunners activated his £20 million release clause.
The illustrious tagline of ‘former Arsenal’ player generally demands respect from the wider footballing world for a number of reasons; Wenger’s side are steeped in history and renowned in almost every city in the world, they play the game with great values evolved from Herbert Chapman’s time as manager in the 1920s and have qualified for Europe’s premier competition for 20 successive seasons.
For Vardy however, there was arguably more risk in a move to Arsenal than leaving his comfort zone at Leicester City. By joining Wenger’s men there were no guarantees he would be given a regular starting spot alongside or, indeed, ahead of Olivier Giroud. At 29-years-old that is a risk the England international is understandably not prepared to take.
Added to that, Vardy has now increased his salary for a second time in almost five months by signing a new £100,000-a-week contract extension.
Make no mistake about it though, Vardy’s decision is probably a lot simpler than playing time, money and career progression.
This is a player who scored 24 league goals in his second season in the top flight of England. He’s a striker in his prime playing with team-mates he has a close, almost unbreakable bond with. And his decision may well have a knock-on effect. Despite Riyad Mahrez’s protestations to leave the King Power Stadium this summer, the Algerian may now look at Vardy’s situation and realise that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
When the news first broke that Arsenal had activated Vardy’s release clause there was a mixed response from the Gunners contingent. Some believed he would be the goalscorer they’ve needed for several seasons, others said he wouldn’t fit into Wenger’s tactical system while the majority appeared flabbergasted at the Frenchman’s surprising move for a player heading into his thirties in January, with just two years experience in the Premier League.
Those questions over whether Vardy would have been a success at Arsenal will be left unanswered and Wenger’s search for a new striker looks set to go on throughout the summer.
Alvaro Morata is a potential addition if £38m is thrown Real Madrid’s way, while Gonzalo Higuain and Romelu Lukaku remain viable options if Morata doesn’t come off.
Wenger is determined to sign at least two more players before the club’s pre-season begins at the end of July and talks with Borussia Dortmund officials over Henrikh Mkhitariyan, also a reported target for Manchester United, are still ongoing. The fact that Vardy was even targeted in the first place is evidence of what kind of striker Arsenal are looking for - someone with pace who can get in behind defences and finish with ease.
Vardy’s decision that the reigning Premier League champions are the best club for him in the long-term will probably be vindicated in the long term but Arsenal now have other business to contend with.
There was always a sense that Vardy had already made his mind up once he told Arsenal to wait and it’s now up to the club to bring in a goalscorer who genuinely wants to play for one of the most successful sides in England.
The signing of Granit Xhaka is a great start but there is no doubt that more reinforcements are needed in north London - starting with a striker.
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- Goal