TOM COLLOMOSSE: Jamie Vardy signing a new deal is EXACTLY what Leicester fans need to hear… as the Foxes history-maker holds contract extension talks amid Brendan Rodgers’ troubling summer transfer window
- Jamie Vardy and his entourage have held talks with Leicester over a new deal
- The Foxes have endured a troubling window with no major summer signings
- Leicester are also listening to offers for Wesley Fofana and James Maddison
- But Vardy is set to extend his King Power deal at the club where he made history
- Brendan Rodgers’ side will travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Saturday
One of the most remarkable images of Jamie Vardy’s Leicester career happened when barely anybody was watching.
With his side level at Arsenal, when crowds were locked out during the Covid-hit 2020-21 season, Vardy sat in an empty stand with his fellow substitutes waiting for instructions.
When he received the signal from boss Brendan Rodgers, Vardy downed a Red Bull, crushed the can in his hand and replaced Dennis Praet on the hour.
Jamie Vardy is set to be given a new deal that will extend his stay at Leicester into a 12th season
Twenty minutes later, he had scored the only goal of the game. It was Vardy’s 11th in 14 matches against the Gunners, his best record against any Premier League club.
When Leicester arrive in north London today in a fragile state, they will look once more to Vardy (right) — who turns 36 in January — to put a smile back on their faces.
With the Foxes yet to make a significant signing this summer and star defender Wesley Fofana pursued by Chelsea, the prospect of a new two-year deal for Vardy was exactly what Leicester fans needed to hear.
The 35-year-old was a key member of the Leicester team that won the Premier League in 2016
The 35-year-old is in the final year of his contract and Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as clubs from Italy, Spain and the States, have been monitoring the situation.
Yet Vardy’s priority has always been to stay at Leicester, where he has made history. He scored 24 goals as the Foxes won the Premier League title for the first time in 2016, then helped them lift the FA Cup five years later.
If he scores against Mikel Arteta’s team, Vardy will reach another milestone: 100 Premier League goals since turning 30, the first player to hit that target.
‘He has looked good in pre-season,’ said Rodgers, who confirmed there had been contract talks with Vardy. ‘His appetite is still there. We would like to extend his stay.’
Brendan Rodgers confirmed that talks had been held with Vardy and his representatives
The King Power chiefs are listening to offers from Chelsea for star defender Wesley Fofana
Though Vardy’s physical data in pre-season was similar to his 2019 readings — his best scores in his Leicester career — Rodgers knows he cannot send out his striker to start every game and hope for the best.
Despite scoring 15 times in the league last season, Vardy missed a significant part of the campaign with injury, as hamstring and knee problems kept him out for most of the winter and early spring.
That is why Patson Daka has a crucial role this term. The Zambian had a decent first campaign after joining from Red Bull Salzburg for £27million a year ago, scoring 11 times.
‘I’ve been pleased with Patson,’ said Rodgers. ‘He’s looked very good after adapting to the Premier League last year.’
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