Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Reportedly Trigger Jamie Vardy's Release Clause

Arsenal have reportedly activated the release clause of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. Stuart James of the Guardian has the details, including the Foxes' reluctance to part with their star goal-getter: 

Writing for the Guardian, James described how the Foxes may try to keep hold of a player who is happy at the King Power Stadium:

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Leicester, however, have not given up hope of holding on to Vardy. He signed an improved three-and-a-half-year contract in February and is seen as a central part of their plans. Vardy has a close relationship with Leicester’s Thai owners, as well as Claudio Ranieri, the manager, and there is a desire on their part to keep the title-winning team together.

It is possible that Leicester will now offer Vardy another new contract to try to persuade him to remain at the King Power Stadium.

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Vardy's pace and goals spearheaded Leicester's unlikely Premier League title-winning season, so he makes sense for an Arsenal squad that is desperate for a match-winning striker.

There have been conflicting reports about the clauses in Vardy's current contract with the Foxes. Back in March, the Times (via Samuel Stevens of the Independent) reported a £30 million buyout clause had been inserted into Vardy's new deal.

But days later, Sky Sports News HQ suggested no such exit clause existed. Yet in May, the Daily Mail's Laurie Whitwell revealed Vardy can sign for clubs in next season's UEFA Champions League for £20 million.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

That's great news for Arsenal because it's tough to think of a striker better suited to the Gunners' brand of football. Vardy's electric pace and varied movement not only fit a team that loves to boss possession but can also add an extra element to Arsenal's game.

Vardy spent last season latching on to direct passes from Leicester's hard-working midfield. The Foxes relied on a counter game and used Vardy to strike in an instant.

A quick-strike capability is something the Gunners sometimes miss in their intricate passing game. But playing for a team who get on the ball more often, one littered with players adept at threading passes between the lines, can increase Vardy's threat and goal tally.

Putting the 29-year-old England man in front of the creativity of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey would make Arsenal one of the most versatile and dangerous attacking teams in the league.

The Gunners already know about Vardy's considerable menace in the final third, after he scored three times against them in two league matches last season. He ended the campaign with 24 goals en route to Leicester's shock title win, per WhoScored.com.

Both Leicester and Arsenal will be in Europe's premier club competition next season, but only the latter are likely to stay there long term. Signing Vardy would instantly upgrade a position hampered by the inconsistencies and injury issues among Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck.

It would also mean manager Arsene Wenger's team can score on the break, as well as when owning the ball.