Jamie Vardy's postman lookalike would be 'devastated' if striker moves to Arsenal

Jamie Vardy lookalike Lee Chapman in Leicester Credit: PA

Jamie Vardy's double has said he would be "devastated" if the striker transfers to Arsenal.

But speaking as he flew out to France for Euro 2016, postman Lee Chapman also said he would not blame the Leicester and England footballer for taking the chance of a "lucrative" move to the Emirates stadium.

He added: "It would be good for him - and good for me."

Lifelong Foxes' fan Mr Chapman said that, like Vardy, he would be ready to swap the blue shirt for the red of Arsenal, explaining that his day job with Royal Mail had prepared him.

Mr Chapman - who is the same age, height and weight as Vardy - is flying out to France on Thursday ahead of England's first Euro 2016 match against Russia on Saturday.

Since Mr Chapman was invited on board the Premier League title-winners' team bus by manager Claudio Ranieri on May 3, the lookalike has been caught up in a whirlwind of publicity.

A photo of him arm-in-arm with a delighted-looking Vardy on the coach made headlines around the world.

However, last month he said he had been blocked by Vardy on social media over concerns he could affect the striker's own commercial brand.

Vardy's agent denied knowing anything about the Twitter and Instagram block and wished Mr Chapman all the best in his career.

Despite that setback, Mr Chapman has appeared on TV and radio and found himself mobbed by women while out and about in his full Leicester strip.

Jamie Vardy lookalike Lee Chapman poses for a photo with a Leicester City fan Credit: PA

He added that his schedule had been so busy he had left the suit he was due to wear on his flight, on a train.

Speaking about Vardy's potential transfer before catching his plane fromBirmingham Airport, he said:

Mr Chapman said that whichever shirt he ended up wearing as a lookalike, he might end up having to take it off as he is in talks to join a strip cabarettour of the UK and Las Vegas in the United States.

Looking ahead to England's first fixture at the weekend, Mr Chapman predicted England would beat Russia 2-1, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Vardy forecast to find the net.

Making another prediction, he added: "I reckon Vardy will get the golden boot (highest scorer) award as well.

"Let's have it."

Leicester City beat odds of 5,000-1 to clinch the Premier League title.