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LONDON. — Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Jamie Vardy will stay at Leicester City next soccer season after turning down Arsenal.

The Gunners activated the forward’s £20million release clause last month and it looked like the 29-year-old would complete a quick-fire move to the Emirates before Euro 2016.

However, the Foxes returned with a counter contract offer and told the striker to wait before deciding on his future.

Wenger moved quickly to sign the England international after securing Granit Xhaka on a £30million deal but he’s confirmed in an interview that the former Fleetwood Town striker will stay with Claudio Ranieri’s side.

The Gunners sensationally activated a release clause in the 29-year-old’s contract at the start of the month.

Arsenal were expecting a quick response from Vardy after holding talks but the England international jetted off to Euro 2016 before making a decision.

And, in an interview with Chinese media outlet Tencent, Wenger indicated that Vardy was planning to stick with the English Premier League soccer champions.

The Gunners boss said: “Jamie Vardy, at the moment, is at Leicester. “On what I know, he will stay at Leicester.”

Starsport understand Arsenal were offered the chance to sign the England striker a month ago but turned it down before Wenger committed a U-turn and ordered club bosses to land Vardy.

Vardy came off the bench to score England’s first goal against Wales on Thursday and he claims the transfer speculation has not affected him.

“It’s been easy (to shut that out),” he said.

“I’m here to concentrate and focus on England and that’s all I’m going to be doing and now we’ll just get back on that training field and focus on the next match.”

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney says he would be happy to sign a new contract at Manchester United and end his playing career at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old has three seasons left on his current deal but believes he can go on for longer after former United manager Louis van Gaal moved him into a deeper central midfield role last season.

According to the Sun, Rooney has now said he would be willing to extend his current deal and see out his playing days at the club. “I have a contract at the club that I want to see out and wouldn’t be against extending it – but that’s up to the club,” he said.

Rooney (245) needs just five goals to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton (249) as United’s all-time leading goalscorer. He is eighth in the appearances table with 520 – some way behind Ryan Giggs, who notched up 963. – Sky Sports.