Arsenal to rival Leicester for Mario Lemina

Arsenal will offer stiff competition to Leicester City in the pursuit of Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina. The Gabon international joined the Old Lady on a permanent basis in the summer.

Lemina, 23, played a minor role following his loan switch from Marseille last season, but this was enough to convince the Old Lady to finalize a £9m deal.

Tuttosport reports that the Gunners and Foxes will go head-to-head for the player's signature with the Serie A holders open to making a profit from the midfielder.

Lemina has been scouted by the Gunners on several occassions this year, and the club regard him as a possible replacement for Santi Cazorla.

Cazorla is in the final years of his Arsenal contract, and talks over an extension are yet to commence.

Juventus are expected to demand fees in excess of £16m for their asset.