Arsenal transfer rumour: Gunners identify Sadio Mane as replacement for Leicester City target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal have identified Southampton forward Sadio Mane as a replacement for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, if the latter decides to leave the Emirates. The England international is attracting a lot of interest from Premier League clubs and could be on his way out in the summer transfer window.

According to The Mirror, newly-crowned English champions Leicester City are considering an approach for the Gunners man as they look to further strengthen the squad for next season. The Foxes manager Claudio Ranieri is looking to recruit players who have experience of playing in England's top flight club competition.

The former Chelsea and AS Monaco manager has identified Oxlade-Chamberlain as he believes the 22-year-old can bolster Leicetser's squad, despite being sidelined with injury. He picked up a knee injury in February and has been out of action since.

Arsenal's versatile player will also miss out on the European championship, but he is likely to make himself available for pre-season. Ranieri has set his sights on Oxlade-Chamberlain and this could force the north London club to find a replacement for him in the transfer window.

Arsene Wenger has turned his attention towards Mane as a successor to the Englishman at the Emirates. The Senegalese international moved to St Mary's Stadium in September 2014 and has been in fine form since then.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was interested in signing him last summer, but their bid was rejected by the South Coast club. They even made an approach for his services in the mid-season transfer window, only to be told by Southampton that they are unwilling to do business.

Mane's contract with his current employers runs down in 2018 and according to The Mirror, Arsenal are planning to make a £17m ($24.6m) offer. The Gunners believe that could help them land the Southampton star.

However, Wenger's side could still face competition from United for Mane's signature. The Sun reports that Red Devils are preparing a £25m bid, which is £8m more than Arsenal's offer, to bring the forward to Old Trafford in the summer.