Rumour Reel: Arsenal enter talks with Foxes frontman Vardy
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | June 4, 2016
Leicester City leading scorer Jamie Vardy has reportedly entered talks with Premier League rivals Arsenal on the eve of representing England at Euro 2016, according to widespread reports that began circulating on Friday night.
The 29-year-old Foxes frontman and Three Lions striker has scored three goals in two career starts against the Gunners, both in losing efforts this past season.
Defeats to Arsenal did not stop Leicester defying the odds and incredibly winning the Premier League title under Claudio Ranieri – ahead of the Londoners.
Foxes forward has clause in contract?
Vardy’s rumoured release clause of £20m is understood to have been met by the Gunners, and the Foxes thus reluctantly allowed negotiations with Arsene Wenger’s side to begin.
Scoring 24 times in that Leicester title triumph, Vardy has also grabbed three international goals in eight England caps to date.
Wenger has previously been linked with bids for fellow Foxes players, namely Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez and teenage left back Ben Chilwell.
Big Sam seeks Sakho reunion at Sunderland?
Elsewhere, Sunderland have struggled to stave off relegation for several seasons now, but have turned to West Ham United’s Senegal striker Diafra Sakho.
Reports that an £11m bid made by the Black Cats is being considered by the Hammers, who used to be managed by Stadium of Light gaffer Sam Allardyce, have dominated the Northeast local press’ back pages.
West Ham have been linked with making a marquee signing to accompany their move to the Olympic Stadium, and tabloid gossip columns consistently suggest forward options. Should this materalise, then Sakho should be surplus to requirements in east London.
Arbeloa to be talk of Toon?
Across Tyne and Wear, former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa could link up again with Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United in the Championship, following his release from Champions League winners Real Madrid.
The versatile ex-Spain international, 33, is available on a free transfer, and would be an experienced replacement for Daryl Janmaat, about whom there is considerable speculation that his future lies away from St James’ Park.
Long-serving Magpies centre back Steven Taylor has also been released, leaving defensive reinforcements a priority for Benitez.
Related
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