‘Arsenal wish they had got him’: Gary Neville says Gunners must wish they’d signed £160k-a-week star now

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Gary Neville has stated on his self-titled podcast that Jamie Vardy’s decision to snub Arsenal has proven correct now.

Correct decision

Arsenal pushed to sign Vardy in 2016, but the Leicester striker ultimately decided that the move wasn’t for him.

At the time Vardy was questioned, but Leicester have moved forward since that point – while Arsenal have seemingly gone backwards.

There is little to suggest that the fortunes of the two sides will change this season either.

Leicester won 1-0 in their first game against Wolves – with Vardy, who is on a £160,000-week contract (Salary Sport) getting on the scoresheet – but Arsenal were downed 2-0 by Brentford, in a result which has sparked big concern.

And Neville said: “Vardy turned down Arsenal four seasons ago, and you think of that decision – we said at the time, does he lack ambition?

“Actually, Leicester have done brilliantly since that point.

“They have won the title and he’s a club legend. You can’t say he’s made the wrong decision.

“I’m sure Arsenal wish they had got him. He’d be a spirited striker, the type that Arsenal need, with personality and character.”

Arsenal’s striking issues

Arsenal almost certainly do wish they had Vardy available to them right now.

It is not clear just what Mikel Arteta’s side’s plans in the attacking slots are, with the futures of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette both uncertain.

Arsenal had to turn to youngster Folarin Balogun against Brentford, but he didn’t pose much threat on that occasion.

Arsenal now take on Chelsea in their next game, and there is little optimism that they will be able to pick up a positive result.