Leicester City identify Nampalys Mendy as replacement for Arsenal and Manchester United target N'Golo Kante

Leicester City are edging closer towards completing a deal to sign Nampalys Mendy as the Foxes have identified Nice midfielder as a replacement for N'Golo Kante at the King Power Stadium. The latter joined the Premier League champions from another French outfit Caen in the last summer transfer window and was instrumental in the centre of the field in their title- winning campaign.

According to the Mirror, Claudio Ranieri's side have been tracking Mendy for over a year and have set their sights on securing his services this summer. He is valued to be around £12m ($17.1m) and the English outfit are willing to meet his asking price.

The Italian manager wanted to bring Mendy to the club before signing Kante last summer. However, the deal did not materialise and he continued with Nice in the 2015/16 season, during which he put up an impressive display in helping the Ligue 1 side qualify for the Europa League.

Mendy has one year left on his contract and is keen on making a switch to the Premier League. The former Chelsea and AS Monaco manager has identified the midfielder as a replacement for his compatriot at the club.

Kante's form has seen him attract interest from top clubs from England and abroad. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is an admirer of the France international, while their league rivals Manchester United are in the race, claims another report from the Mirror.

In addition to this, Chelsea and Ligue 1 winners Paris Saint-Germain are looking to land Kante in the summer transfer window. His impressive display for the Foxes saw him make it to the France squad for the ongoing Euro 2016 in his homeland. The 25-year-old Premier League midfielder admitted that he will take a decision on his future after the European championship.

"I am a Leicester player. For now, I have not taken a decision even if I have been made offers. It will be great to play in the Champions League. I will decide my future after the Euros," the Mirror quoted Kante as saying.