England international Jamie Vardy agrees deal to stay with Premier League champions Leicester City

Jamie Vardy agreed to stay with Leicester City on Thursday to spearhead their English Premier League title defence and first Champions League campaign.

Leicester announced their top scorer has agreed to extend his contract by four years, appearing to end Arsenal’s hopes of signing the striker.

Arsenal activated Vardy’s release clause before Euro 2016, and he stayed silent publicly on his future while on England duty in France.

Vardy is yet to sign the new deal, but Leicester’s statement was clear that he is committed to the team which produced one of the biggest shocks in recent history by winning the league for the first time last season.

“Leicester City have today agreed with the representatives of Jamie Vardy to extend the England international’s contract with the Premier League champions for a further four years,” Leicester said in a statement.

“Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie’s future and confirm his long term commitment to Leicester City.”

England plays Iceland in the last 16 of Euro 2016 on Monday, and Leicester said Vardy won’t comment on club matters until the end of the tournament.

The 29-year-old scored one goal in the group stage at Euro 2016, less than five years after playing outside the four professional leagues in England.

“Jamie will continue to focus all of his efforts on trying to achieve success with the England team at the European Championships in France,” Leicester added.

Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy come off bench to fire England to victory over Wales

Vardy secured his place in a first tournament squad after spearheading Leicester’s title triumph with 24 goals, including scoring in a Premier League record 11 consecutive matches.

Vardy was voted footballer of the year by the Football Writers’ Association, while he has also been in talks with movie producer Adrian Butchart about a biopic charting his rise to stardom.