Arsenal had deal done for Vardy in 2016 & missed out on Mata five years earlier

The Gunners’ former transfer fixer, Dick Law, has revealed that the Foxes forward had agreed a move to north London before making a last-minute U-turn Arsenal had a deal agreed with Leicester for Jamie Vardy in the summer of 2016, claims the club’s former transfer fixer Dick Law, only for the England international to make a last-minute U-turn. With the hard-working frontman having become a Premier League title winner and England international on the back of his exploits with the Foxes, interest in his services built steadily. A role was opened up for him at Emirates Stadium, with Arsene Wenger eager to bring another proven frontman into his squad. The legendary Gunners boss was, however, forced to turn his attention elsewhere as Vardy had a change of heart and ended up extending his stay at the King Power Stadium. “The deal with Leicester was done, the deal with the player was done,” Law, who spent 13 years with Arsenal between 2005 and 2018, told The Athletic. “He came down to visit with his wife Rebekah, he sat on the couch in front of Arsene… and then he backed off. “On his way back to Leicester I get a call from the player saying he wants to think about it overnight. At that point, you know it's bad news.”