Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has claimed he has been told Jamie Vardy wants to leave Leicester to join Arsenal in the coming days.

According to reports in the British press, Vardy has been allowed to talk to the Gunners after the north London outfit matched his £20million release clause.

Vardy helped guide the Foxes to the Premier League title last season and was expected to stay on at the King Power Stadium.

However, the England international now appears to be on his way out of the club after Giroud confirmed Arsenal’s interest.

Speaking after France’s 3-0 win over Scotland on Saturday, he told Sky Sports News HQ: “I have been told that Jamie wants to join us and it’s very good news for us.

I think we can be complimentary and that’s all I can say. “He’s a fantastic player, so it’s good news for us.”

Vardy’s arrival could cast doubt on Giroud’s future at the Emirates but the 29-year-old welcomes the challenge and believes the duo can form a formidable partnership.

Giroud added: “As I said in the past I am happy with competition. We have always had fantastic strikers at Arsenal and I want the best for this club.

Hopefully he is going to help us win this title. “The boss wanted to sign at least one or two strikers, so I expected a top striker and I think it will benefit the club and hopefully he is going to score a lot of goals like he did at Leicester.”