5 World Class players who rejected Arsenal

Jamie Vardy

Vardy played a crucial role in Leicester City's title-winning campaign.

Jamie Vardy is a name that is forever etched in the glorious memoirs of English football. The 30-year-old, who began his career at Stockbridge Park Steels FC in 2007 after being released by Sheffield Wednesday, rose through the ranks courtesy of his goal-scoring prowess at FC Halifax Town and Fleetwood Town before he was snapped up by Leicester City in May 2012 and his performances for the Foxes have made him a name known throughout the globe.

While he did begin life in Premier League on a slow note, Vardy truly came to the forefront during the 2015-16 season where his goal-scoring abilities played a pivotal role in Claudio Ranieri’s men lifting the Premier League trophy against all odds.

So, when Arsenal came calling for his signature at the beginning of last season, many believed it was a well-deserved opportunity and a natural progression in his career. Many claimed that a deal to bring the player to the Emirates was all but done when Wenger decided to table a £22 million bid for the striker, thus triggering his rumoured release clause.

However, Vardy had different ideas. The Sheffield born striker decided to snub the Gunners in order to remain at Leicester and shattered the hopes of Arsenal fans around the world. The 30-year-old who later claimed it was an easy decision to make cited regular playing time as well as the difference in footballing ideology as the reasons that forced him to remain at the King Power Stadium.