Leicester City initiate transfer battle with Arsenal for highly-rated forward

Former English Premier League title winners Leicester City are set to battle North London outfit Arsenal for the signature of highly rated star Ismaila Sarr from the French Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.

Leicester City have got a number of names on their wish-list and the Ligue 1 star seems to be coming up on the ranking as he has impressed so far this season.

Ismaila Sarr has been able to win the attention of a number of teams with the North London outfit Arsenal being on his case since the last January winter transfer window.

• Arsenal told why £36m Serie A star is the best fix

So far this season, he has driven home 12 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions which have helped the Rennes team in the middle of the table.

However, the Gunners team are reported to have been told Ismaila Sarr will be available for a fee of £25 million when they made an inquiry about his availability which the Foxes will be willing to pay, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the North London outfit are still keen on the signature of a forward for the coming season so that he can serve as a direct replacement for England international Danny Welbeck who is leaving this summer window after spells of injuries.