The Leicester City team of the 2015/16 season is one that will never be forgotten.
Against odds of 5000/1, the Foxes made history by winning the Premier League.
Kasper Schmeichel dubbed Leicester ‘the best pub team in the world’ after their heorics.
It’s no surprise that everyone wanted their best players, with N’Golo Kante heading to Chelsea and Riyad Mahrez almost joining Arsenal.
Mahrez wasn’t the only player to nearly join the Gunners, with title winner Danny Simpson convinced one of his teammates was heading to the Emirates Stadium.
Danny Simpson thought Jamie Vardy would join Arsenal
Jamie Vardy was one of the Leicester players who received the most interest from clubs.
Not only had he torn up the Premier League, his fairytale story from non-league to the elite would’ve had an ultimate happy ending.
Arsenal were very interested in bringing the forward to the Emirates Stadium and Simpson was convinced that he would leave.
Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast in November 2023, he said: “The Vards one, I felt it was going to happen, but obviously it was like nah man you can’t leave. It didn’t happen, and we were buzzing init.”
Vardy actually turned down Arsenal’s approach in 2016 as he wanted to stay loyal to the Foxes. He’s stuck to his words and stuck by the Foxes through thick and thin.
Jamie Vardy has made Arsenal pay over the years
Once excited about the prospect of having Vardy in their team, Arsenal must be sick of the sight of the Leicester number nine.
In the 18 times he has played against the Gunners, Vardy has scored 11 times. It’s his best return against any opposition side and although he didn’t score in the two meetings between the teams in the 2024/25 campaign, he still gives some Arsenal fans sleepless nights.
| Jamie Vardy record vs Arsenal |
| Played against – 18 |
| Goals – 11 |
| Assists – 1 |
It would be interesting to see how Leicester would’ve fared in the years that followed had Vardy gone to Arsenal. Thankfully, we’ll never have to know.