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Arsenal had a deal for Jamie Vardy all-but completed in 2016 before the Leicester City striker changed his mind at the last minute, former Gunners transfer chief Dick Law has revealed.
After a shock Premier League triumph for Leicester in 2015/16, Arsenal identified Vardy as a prime target.
Law brokered a £20m deal for Vardy to arrive at the Emirates and revealed that the striker had even agreed terms before making a last-minute U-turn on Arsene Wenger’s side.
Speaking to The Athletic, Law who spent 13 years at Arsenal between 2005 and 2018 said: ‘The deal with Leicester was done, the deal with the player was done.
Vardy deal was all but done back in 2016
‘He came down to visit with his wife Rebekah, he sat on the couch in front of Arsene… and then he backed off.
‘On his way back to Leicester I get a call from the player saying he wants to think about it overnight.
‘At that point, you know it’s bad news.’
The following season Arsenal claimed a record 13th Fa Cup triumph. The Gunners have also finished above Leicester for three consecutive seasons.
Vardy has remained superb for the Foxes since committing to the club. The former non-league striker and current Premier League top scorer has bagged 99 goals in 202 top flight appearances.
