Jamie Vardy rejects Arsenal, signs new contract at Leicester City

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League champions, ending speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal.

The England international reportedly had a £20million release clause in his contract that was met by Arsene Wenger’s side earlier this month, but wanted to focus Euro 2016 as he took time to consider his domestic future.

Wenger suggested last week that Arsenal were likely to miss out on the player’s signature after Leicester made a strong push to keep him and that has now been confirmed with Vardy, 29, agreeing new terms at the King Power Stadium.

Vardy was already under contract until 2019 in a deal signed last February, with his lucrative new deal extending that by a further year to 2020.

A statement on the club’s official website confirmed: “Leicester City have agreed with the representatives of Jamie Vardy to extend the England international’s contract with the Premier League champions for a further four years.

“Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie’s future and confirm his long term commitment to Leicester City.

“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.”

Vardy scored 24 Premier League goals last season as Leicester shocked the world with a title success that ensured they will play in the Champions League in the coming season.

Leicester will hope that Vardy’s commitment will persuade their other in-demand stars such as N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez to remain with them for the new campaign.