Vardy the wrong fit for Arsenal, claims 'flabbergasted' Paul Merson

"No disrespect, but he plays at Leicester where everyone goes and has a go at them."

Vardy the wrong fit for Arsenal, claims 'flabbergasted' Paul Merson

Jamie Vardy would struggle to adapt to Arsenal's style of play if he were to leave Barclays Premier League champions Leicester and head to the Emirates Stadium, according to former Gunners forward Paul Merson.

The Foxes striker has joined up with the England squad for Euro 2016 as his club future continues to be subject of speculation.

Arsenal are understood to have lodged a £20million offer, triggering a release clause in Vardy's current contract, and would be prepared to offer the 29-year-old lucrative personal terms of some £120,000 a week.

It has been reported Vardy will wait until after England's campaign has finished before making public any decision, with Leicester hoping an improved contract offer will keep him at the King Power Stadium.

Vardy enjoyed a stand-out campaign for the Foxes, netting 24 league goals as the 5,000-1 outsiders won the title.

The striker also cemented his place in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad and was voted the Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

However, Merson - who was part of the Arsenal side which won the league championship in 1988/89 and 1990/91 under George Graham as well as the 1993 FA Cup and also the European Cup Winners' Cup - does not believe the quick, short passing game of Arsene Wenger's team would suit Vardy at all.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, the former England international said: "I am absolutely flabbergasted with it. Arsenal don't get the ball forward quick enough for Jamie Vardy. No disrespect, but he plays at Leicester where everyone goes and has a go at them.

"Twenty of his goals must have been over the top, balls that he is running on to, beat the goalie and great finish. You play for Arsenal, you kick off and the other team sit 10 men behind the ball."

Merson added: "Leicester suits Jamie Vardy, in my opinion. He is perfect for them. They play his way, they get the ball forward very quickly and he will keep on causing havoc. If he goes to Arsenal, I just don't see it.

"That is no disrespect to him. I'm not saying he won't get goals, but I don't think he will get enough opportunities [at Arsenal]. They take too long to get the ball forward.

"I'm not having a go at Vardy. For what he does, he is different class, But you watch him for England the other night [against Portugal] and if you have got 10 players behind the ball... I mean [Ricardo] Carvalho looked like [Franz] Beckenbauer."

England open their Group B game against Russia in Marseille on Saturday, when Vardy could be deployed in attack alongside Tottenham forward Harry Kane.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Republic of Ireland Training Session and Media Conference Ogbene ruled out for 'few weeks'
Chelsea v Leicester City - Barclays Women's Super League - Kingsmeadow Willie Kirk sacked as Leicester boss after position became ‘untenable’
St Patrick's Athletic v Shelbourne - SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division Damien Duff: 'The leading light of Irish football is not the national team but the league itself'
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited