Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has conceded that Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy looks as though he will remain at the King Power Stadium for next season.
The Gunners triggered the release clause in his contract with a £20m bid earlier this month, but saw their pursuit hit a stumbling block with the start of Euro 2016.
With the England international focusing on matters in France, it appeared as though the move lost momentum, with Wenger now suggesting that he is preparing to look at alternatives with Vardy likely to stick with the reigning Premier League champions.
“Jamie Vardy is, at the moment, at Leicester and from what I know, he will stay at Leicester,” he told Chinese television, as reported by Sky Sports.
The 29-year-old scored 24 goals last season to fire Claudio Ranieri’s men to the top of the Premier League table, but along with other key individuals, he has been linked with an exit this summer.
Ranieri is desperate to keep hold of his current stars for another season at least, and has insisted that he will give them his blessing to move on and further their career next summer.
It appears as though he is set to get his wish with regards to Vardy, although it remains to be seen whether or not others follow suit and stick with the Foxes ahead of what will be a thrilling season next year as they prepare for the Champions League as well as bid to defend their league crown.
From an Arsenal perspective, it will be a disappointment for Wenger who will hope to continue to strengthen his squad after already acquiring Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka.
With Vardy likely to be out of contention, the French tactician will possibly have to take his search for a new striker elsewhere.