Jamie Vardy turned down a move to Arsenal earlier this week Getty Images)
Jamie Vardy would have improved as a player had he signed for Arsenal.
That is the opinion of former Gunners striker Alan Smith, who
understands why the 29-year-old opted to stay with Leicester City, but
does wonder why the England striker did not want to test himself at The
Emirates.
Vardy finally made a decision on his future earlier this week and
rejected a switch to north London, instead signing a new four-year
contract extension with the Foxes and reigning Premier League champions.
Arsenal had activated the player’s release clause, only for Vardy to
snub their advances because it is understood they do not play football
which is suited to his fast-paced style of play.
Smith, who made the same switch back in 1987, however, believes the
former Fleetwood Town forward could have benefited from the move.
He told Sky Sports:
‘They are already champions, in the Champions League, he’s got an
improved contract so the money side of things isn’t such a big issue and
maybe he thought: ‘I’m not going to be first choice at Arsenal, would
their style of play suit me? The grass isn’t already greener and maybe I
should stick with what I know and a club where I enjoy my football.’
‘I think you should push yourself, though, and if he’d gone to
Arsenal he would have been training – with no disrespect to Leicester –
with better players, higher quality players and that improves you as a
footballer.
Alan Smith won numerous trophies with Arsenal during the 1980s and 90s (Photo: WireImage)
‘Maybe he is thinking, I’m with England anyway, I’m achieving all my ambitions as a Leicester player, so why move?’
Smith, a two-time league winner with Arsenal, went on to add how boss
Arsene Wenger does need to sign a striker this summer as the burden of
expectation could become too much for Oliver Giroud alone.
‘They need a striker with Danny Welbeck out for the foreseeable future,’ he said.
‘They can’t rely on Olivier Giroud as the only striker – they had problems with that when he experienced a dip in form.
‘Arsene Wenger was obviously after a different type of player to Giroud, which makes sense.
‘It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, he does go for,’
Jamie Vardy turned down a move to Arsenal earlier this week Getty Images)
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your contribution