The men jilted Arsenal should turn to following Vardy rejection

With Leicester announcing today that they have reached an agreement with Jamie Vardy over a new four-year deal, so ends the chance of the striker playing for Arsenal next season.

The Gunners had activated the England international’s release clause shortly before the forward flew out on national duty for Euro 2016.

But having been made to sweat for a couple of weeks, Arsene Wenger now has his answer, though it’s not the one he was hoping for.

The Frenchman’s bid for Vardy showed Arsenal were – for a while at least – looking at a short-term impact, which goes substantially against the club and manager’s traditional business method.

So who do the north Londoners turn to now?

Romelu Lukaku has made little secret of his wish to move from Everton this summer, but with PSG and Real Madrid also linked with the Belgian, Arsenal could be the minnows in a trio of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Alvaro Morata is also up for grabs this summer, with Real Madrid activating their buy-back clause for the Spaniard from Juventus. However it’s well-known that Los Blancos have only made such a move to ensure a bigger fee when they sell him on before next season commences.

But if Wenger was after a player in the Vardy mould, Morata would not necessarily bring the same qualities, having never reached double figures in any season for a senior team.

However, as current joint-top scorer in the European Championships in France with three goals in three games, Arsenal have doubtless been keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old, who brings impeccable work rate and teamwork.

Another player currently shining in France is Juventus and Italy man Simone Zaza.

The 24-year-old has been linked with Leicester, as he seeks to land first team football, be it in Turin or elsewhere. A physical presence with excellent movement, he could be ideal in an Arsenal shirt.

But if Arsenal are after a Vardy-esque goalscorer, then Ajax’s Arkadiusz Milik could be the man.

The Poland international was in stunning form last term, netting 22 times, including a blistering run of 12 goals in just nine games across the spring.

At just 22, the former Bayer Leverkusen man would fit Arsenal’s ethos of buying younger players, and a tally of eight assists last term indicates he’s doesn’t mind setting up his team-mates either.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.