Breaking: Rodgers wades off Arsenal, strikes new Leicester deal

Brendan Rodgers has signed a new contract with Leicester designed to keep him at the club until at least 2025.

The Northern Irishman has done an outstanding job since moving to the King Power Stadium from Celtic in February, helping them to second in the Premier League this season, and the new deal will include a significant pay rise.

Rodgers, 46, had been the subject of strong interest from Arsenal around the time of Unai Emery’s sacking, but he made clear his commitment to the Foxes after they beat Everton last Sunday – despite the presence of a £14million release clause in his contract.

Leicester will hope that Rodgers’ decision to commit himself to the club will influence key members of the squad. Midfielder James Maddison is admired by Manchester United, while defender Ben Chilwell is a target for Chelsea.

Earlier this week, Rodgers said: ‘I’m very happy, so I’ve no need to look elsewhere,’ he said. ‘I think logic would tell you – and I know there is gossip and speculation – but why would I want to leave Leicester City at this moment in time?

‘I repeat, I’m happy here, very happy, and have great relations with all the people, and I feel I want to continue with that.

‘The message is clear. I made a choice nine months ago to come here for a purpose. The purpose was very clear in that I wanted to help this club move forward out of where it was when I came in, and with a group I feel has huge potential. Why would I want to move from that?

‘OK, I moved after nearly three years at Celtic and people may look at me thinking ‘Right, because a club like Arsenal, with the great institution and size, and all of that’… But it’s all about happiness and I couldn’t be happier here. My contract is until 2022 and the club haven’t said they want to release me from that.

‘I love coming into my work every day, working with the people here. And when you come in with that excitement and knowing the potential we have here to really grow and develop, that brings me happiness.

‘I love the area, it’s a wonderful place to live, so when you have that combination why would I want to give that up?’

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