Former Leicester City front man Jamie Vardy was close to joining Serie A side Genoa in a mouth-watering deal, but the move was vetoed by their manager, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.
Vardy famously inspired Leicester to their iconic Premier League title triumph during the 2015/16 campaign, and his contract came to an end after 13 years with the club.
As per Softfootball’s earlier report, the 26-cap England international ended his career with the Foxes with some lovely rounded stats, making 500 appearances and scoring 200 goals, and now he is free to find a new challenge in England or abroad. Jamie Vardy has been linked with the likes of Scottish giants Rangers as well as several Premier League sides.
Genoa Sporting Director Flavio Ricciardella reportedly tried to get the deal over the line, with some of the club’s sponsors supposedly prepared to cover the Englishman’s wages.
However, reports from The Mirror claim that Vardy was close to completing a move to the Italian club until the 49-year-old Frenchman stepped in to put a stop to the deal. Patrick Vieira spent nine years running Arsenal’s midfield, and now he is pulling the strings as manager of Serie A side Genoa.
Since retiring from playing, Vieira has also managed New York City FC, Nice, Crystal Palace and Strasbourg. Vieira replaced Alberto Gilardino as Genoa manager in November last year, with the club in danger of a relegation battle.
Their fortunes improved under the former France star, though, finishing 13th in Serie A and last month Vieira signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until 2027.
What is next for Vardy is still yet to become clear, although the club most spoken about as his next destination has been Glasgow Rangers, while a move to America is also a possibility, and he could still make a switch to Italy.
Cesc Fabregas’ Como are short-priced in the Vardy market, while the most fancied English team is Nottingham Forest.
A prior update from Softfootball revealed that Arsenal have agree personal terms with England international Noni Madueke. Arsenal are prepare to make a formal move for the England international.
Madueke, 23, is understood to have given the green light to a switch across London, but discussions between the two clubs are yet to begin. The Gunners, who have maintained a healthy working relationship with Chelsea in the past, are looking to utilise the opportunity with the purchase of Madueke.
