Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has reiterated that striker Jamie Vardy will get the last say as both the Foxes and Arsenal await his decision.
The England international’s more immediate focus will be on Euro 2016, as despite failing to feature in the 1-1 draw with Russia in Marseille on Saturday night, the 29-year-old will hope to get a chance in the next two games.
As a result, his club future has now been put on hold for the time being, with Roy Hodgson unlikely to sanction any discussions to take place at the England camp.
It was widely reported earlier this month that Arsenal had triggered the £20m release clause in Vardy’s contract, and with Leicester therefore powerless to prevent the transfer, it was ultimately down to the 24-goal striker to make a decision over where he wanted to be next season.
Ranieri has confirmed that remains the case for now, but has again urged Vardy and his teammates who have been linked with an exit from the King Power Stadium to give him another year before considering switches elsewhere.
“We want to keep him, Arsenal have said they will pay the full release clause, but he hasn’t accepted yet,” Ranieri admitted. “He gets the last word.”
“I suggest to all my players to stay one year more. Don’t go. If you go to another team, you might not get on the pitch.”
Ranieri will also have concerns over the likes of N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez who have both been linked with a departure this summer, but Vardy could well set the tone for the rest of the squad if he opts to stay with the Premier League champions.