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The deadline has passed. Initital reports suggested at a decision on Jamie Vardy's potential transfer to Arsenal would be announced before the England squad took off for Euro 2016 in France. That time has come and gone however. The striker is up in the air, and his future remains that way too.
I definitely thought this deal was moving way too quickly. On Friday it was announced that Arsenal has triggered the forward’s £20m release clause and the next day manager club and players were now negotiating. The England forward had signed a new deal with City reportedly worth £80,000 a week but, with Arsenal offering a significant raise, the Foxes have submitted their own improved offer.
After that it all came down to Vardy, with a decision expected this morning. Frustratingly, but perhaps wisely, the former Fleetwood Town man has opted to take a little longer to decide on his future. The Leicester Mercury reports this morning that the 29-year-old striker will take a few more days to make his decision and that no medical has yet taken place.
The wait for anxious fans goes on then. And, with new rumours today suggesting Arsenal are also interested in Riyad Mahrez, the best case scenario for fans is that this agony lasts until September.
However, when the deal eventually shapes out, the club itself still has plenty of time to prepare. Rumours have persisted all summer of deals for continental star strikers Ahmed Musa, Islam Slimani, Wissam Ben Yedder, and Troy Deeney.
Personally I think the Watford captain would be a great fit here, but we’ve been linked with him for at least the last five transfer windows, so don’t get your hopes up.
At least one striker is likely to join this year. If Vardy does leave, the squad would be down to just Leo Ulloa and Shinji Okazaki up front, so expect at least 2 additions. For now though, which targets Leicester City will make concrete offers for and how many strikers Leicester wants are both still anyone's guess.
It’s possible the decision has been made but not announced. However, if Vardy is to leave, he’d still need to wait until England flame out of the tournament to go back and have his medical. So what I’m trying to say is…I have no idea what’s going on. Nor do most people. The ball remains in Vardy’s court and we’ll all just have to wait as patiently as possible.