He Rejected Arsenal for Leicester City and Now Holds a Prestigious Foxes Record

Leicester Face Arsenal as Arteta’s Side Aim to Close the Gap on Liverpool

Leicester City, currently in 18th place, will host second-placed Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s men look to narrow the gap to league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

While Leicester are battling relegation this season, they once competed at the top of the table, famously winning the Premier League in 2016.

Under Claudio Ranieri’s remarkable management, the Foxes finished above Arsenal, delivering one of football’s greatest fairytale moments.

Following their historic title triumph, Jamie Vardy turned down a move to Arsenal in 2016, rejecting Arsène Wenger’s attempt to bring him to the Emirates.

However, Vardy isn’t the only Leicester player to have done so.

Wilfred Ndidi Rejected Arsenal Move in 2016

Leicester’s Premier League victory nearly nine years ago elevated their status, providing them with financial power in the transfer market.

Despite losing N’Golo Kanté to Chelsea for £30 million in 2016, the Foxes swiftly identified Genk’s Wilfred Ndidi as his successor.

Leicester secured Ndidi’s services for £15 million in the January 2017 transfer window, and he has since made 290 appearances, solidifying his place as a club legend.

However, before finalizing his move, the Nigerian midfielder had already turned down Arsenal’s approach in the summer of 2016, as reported by The Telegraph’s John Percy.

Like Vardy, Ndidi opted against joining Wenger’s Arsenal, a decision that coincided with the beginning of the Frenchman’s decline at the club.

Ndidi: Leicester’s Second Longest-Serving Player After Vardy

Ndidi’s arrival at Leicester highlighted the club’s excellent recruitment strategy, comparable to Brighton’s current approach of discovering and developing top talent from across the globe.

Now 28, the Nigerian international has evolved from a pure defensive midfielder into an all-action presence in midfield.

Over the years, he has been instrumental in Leicester’s success, playing a key role in their FA Cup victory in 2021 and their promotion back to the Premier League in 2024.

Having recently returned from injury, Ndidi delivered an impressive performance in Leicester’s recent defeat to Manchester United and will be vital in their fight for survival.

After nearly 300 appearances and eight years at the club, Ndidi stands as Leicester’s second longest-serving player after Vardy.

Considering his impact and consistency, his £15 million transfer has proven to be a bargain.