Arsenal open Jamie Vardy transfer talks after triggering his £20m get-out clause

Jamie Vardy

Arsenal are in talks to sign Jamie Vardy after triggering his £20million release clause.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is ready to do the deal after his Londoners and several other Premier League clubs were sounded out by England striker Vardy’s representatives.

Liverpool offered the player £140,000 a week, but Arsenal are in pole position because the clause is only available to Champions League clubs.

New champions Leicester will fight to keep their 24-goal top scorer but it is believed the Gunners are closing in on a player currently being paid £60,000-a-week.

Wenger was at England’s friendly with Portugal on Thursday, when Vardy started up front.

It is understood the date of June 3 is significant to the release clause, which would mean Arsenal need to rush to get it done in the next few days. They are hopeful of getting a deal sorted over the weekend.

England boss Roy Hodgson has made it clear he does not want players underdoing medicals or being involved in transfer talks after they depart to France on Monday for the Euros.

Mirror Sport understands Arsenal were sounded out last month about Vardy and told about the 29-year-old's potential availability and that he wanted a four-year deal worth around £120,000-a-week.

Leicester City hero Jamie Vardy was told he was TOO SMALL to be a professional footballer

They were cautious at that stage as they were concerned whether his season was a one-off and also about his age and the size of the contract.

But they have clearly decided to go for it, knowing that there is a clause in the Leicester contract which he only signed last season.

The Foxes have made it clear they do not want to sell any of their title winning heroes.

They may make Vardy a new offer and try to buy-out the escape clause, but they know it will be a battle now Arsenal have moved in.