Arsenal Target Summer Move for Leicester City Keeper Kasper Schmeichel - Report

Arsenal are considering an approach in signing Leicester City stopper Kasper Schmeichel in the summer, according to the Express.

The 27-year-old has been in impressive form for the Foxes and played a crucial role in helping his side gain promotion to the Premier League next season. He has started in 43 league games and kept 19 clean sheets in the process.

Schmeichel's contract at Leicester runs out at the end of the season and the Denmark international has refused to sign a contract extension, despite their promotion to top flight English football.

The report claims Schmeichel is set to leave his current employers in the coming transfer window. Arsene Wenger's side are likely to be the favourites in snapping up the keeper's services as the Gunners could provide Champions League football next season.

Last month, the Foxes's stopper admitted that he was looking to land a new deal after saying that he was happy at Leicester.

"I have never hidden how much I enjoy playing for Leicester. It is a fantastic club, where I have been happy from the first day. I can just sit and wait for the club right now, there is nothing else I can do at the moment," Schmeichel explained.

Arsenal have the services of Poland international Wojciech Szczesny and his compatriot Lukasz Fabianski as the two keepers in the squad. Wenger is looking to bring in Schmeichel and his arrival at the Emirates could see either of the current two keepers leave the club in the summer.

Any move from the Gunners for Schmeichel's services will see them face tough competition from England and Europe. Premier League outfit Southampton, along with Italian outfit AC Milan and Greek side Olympiakos are all keen on the Dane's signature.

Meanwhile, Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is hopeful of retaining Schmeichel beyond the summer transfer window. The 50-year-old manager admitted he was not surprised over the rumours linking the stopper with a move away from the Foxes.

"I've been informed that there's been speculation. That goes with the fact he's had an exceptionally good season. He's a talented goalkeeper and it doesn't surprise me," Pearson told the Daily Mail.

"But he's a key player for us and I'd love to keep him. I've spoken to Kasper on a number of occasions and talks are ongoing. We have an exceptionally good relationship, player to manager, and all I can say is the player knows exactly how much I want to keep him."