Group G striker would “walk into” Arsenal’s XI, claims Lineker

Arsenal face their first Champions League fixture of the new season at Paris Saint-Germain this evening with Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez fighting it out for the start.

But it’s another striker altogether who would’ve trumped that pair had he joined Arsenal according to Match of the Day presenter and Foxes fan Gary Lineker.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Lineker has claimed Jamie Vardy would “walk into” Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven had he not decided to remain with Premier League champions Leicester City this term.

“I think he’d walk into Arsenal’s team. Have you seen their centre forwards?,” said Lineker.

“They’re fine but their not as prolific as Vardy. They are not as quick as Vardy and they don’t give the options that Vardy does.”

“Giroud is a certain type of target man. He will get his one goal in three or whatever it is. Perez they’ve brought in. I quite like him but he’s not going to be as prolific as Vardy.

“You can tell Vardy is full of confidence. [Vardy turning down Arsenal] was a big moment. It was a very surprising moment. It said a lot about him as well.”

Vardy himself is relishing Champions League football for the first time this season when Leicester City go up against Club Brugge in Group G on Wednesday.

Having made something of a stuttering start to the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, the jury is currently very much out on whether Leicester City’s squad can handle the pressure of playing at the top level of European competition, not to mention their domestic exploits this term.

As for Arsenal, Lucas Perez’s Premier League debut was quiet but the former Deportivo La Coruna man will take some time to get used to the fast-paced nature of English football.