Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham chase 'Iranian Lionel Messi' Sardar Azmoun

Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are set for a transfer battle in signing Rubin Kazan star Sardar Azmoun, according to Calcio Mercato.

The 20-year-old has been impressive for the Russian club and his style of play and attacking prowess has seen him dubbed as the 'Iranian Lionel Messi,' who is valued to be around £5m, reports the Independent.

The north London clubs, along with Brendan Rodgers' side are stepping up their efforts in bringing Azmoun to England as his talent has already attracted interest from top clubs across the continent.

Rubin CEO Ayrat Garayev admitted that the Iranian international's future will be discussed only once he returns from international duty. He is currently with the national side in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup in Australia.

"Sardar Azmoun is a Rubin player and has a valid contract with our club. We are waiting for his return from the Asian Cup and looking forward to having him for the remainder of the season," Garayev told Izvestia.

"We have had approaches for Sardar, but I see no reason to discuss them until they become official," the Rubin CEO added.

The Premier League clubs will face competition from European giants in signing Azmoun. The same report from Calcio Mercato also suggests that La Liga giants Barcelona, along with Italian outfits Juventus and AC Milan are also in the race to secure the services of the talented player.

Azmoun impressed for his national side as his goal against Qatar helped Carlos Queiroz's side seal a 1-0 victory, which helped them to make it to the quarter finals of the Asian Cup.

The former Manchester United assistant manager was full of praise for the forward and hailed his talent after he scored a brilliant goal against Qatar.

"It was a brilliant goal. It was a special movement of the centre-forward, a great turn at the level of some of the best centre-forwards I have worked with in my life," Queiroz said.

"It was a brilliant goal in a one-on-one. We knew that we should try more turns and we should try to get more space behind, but the way he moved the ball was brilliant for a young player. He has a great future."