Home Football Paul Merson ‘flabbergasted’ by Arsenal’s Vardy interest

Paul Merson ‘flabbergasted’ by Arsenal’s Vardy interest

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Sky pundit reckons striker will struggle at Emirates

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has expressed his surprise with Arsenal’s approach for Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, and says the England international would struggle if he moved to the Emirates.

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 ÂŁ20million 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 ÂŁ120,000 a week.

Vardy has had an unbeliveable season for the new Premier League champions, playing a big part in the Foxes title challenge and historic league win.

However, speaking to TalkSport, Merson 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.’

The former England international 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.

By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10

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