Jamie Vardy to Arsenal: Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says England striker 'gets the last word'

Arsenal met the £20m release clause in Vardy's contract earlier this month but are left waiting

Jamie Vardy looks on from the bench during England's draw with Russia (Getty)

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says Jamie Vardy “gets the last word” on his prospective £20m transfer to Arsenal.

The Italian guided Leicester to the Premier League title last season, a feat made possible by Vardy’s 24 goals, but faces the prospect of losing the backbone of his squad this summer.

Arsenal met the £20m release clause in the England striker’s contract earlier this month and have been forced to wait as he considers his options while on duty with the national team at the European Championship.

Vardy, 29, is mulling over a three-year £120,000-a-week contract, with an option for a fourth season, while Leicester have also offered a considerable pay rise if he elects to stay at the King Power Stadium.

Speaking while participating in coverage of Italy’s 2-0 opening Group E victory against Belgium on Monday night, Ranieri told Sky Italia: “We want to keep him. Arsenal have said they will pay the full release clause, but he hasn't accepted yet. He gets the last word.”

Vardy is yet to feature for England in France after being an unused substitute for the 1-1 draw with Russia on Saturday night. The former Fleetwood striker is joined by Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante in being offered improved salaries to stay with the newly-crowned champions.