Arsenal have triggered the release clause of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, multiple sources at the London club have confirmed to Theinfostride.
The Guardian was the first to report that Arsenal are pursuing Vardy, who scored 24 goals in leading Leicester to their Premier League title this season.
Vardy has a release clause in his contract that would allow him to go to teams playing in the Champions League for £22 million, a source said.
But in winning the Premier League, Leicester will also be in the Champions League next season, leaving the striker with a decision to make on his future.
Leicester remain interested in retaining Vardy, the Guardian reported. Heading into the January transfer window, reports said Leicester wanted at least £30m for the 29-year-old’s services.
After staying with Leicester, Vardy in February signed an improved three-and-a-half-year contract that pays him £80,000 a week.
Any transfer fee would be a tremendous return on the investment of Leicester, who plucked Vardy from nonleague obscurity for just £1m in 2012.
A few hours before the Guardian’s report, betting odds on Vardy joining Arsenal were shortened to 8/13 “after a flurry of large bets,” according to Sky.
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