Leicester City 'preparing to rival Arsenal for Ryan Bertrand'

Leicester City are reportedly firmly in the race for Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand.

The 31-year-old will be leaving St Mary's on a free transfer at the end of the season, and Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for the full-back.

A recent report claimed that the Gunners had stepped up their interest in the Englishman, who has made 34 appearances for the Saints during the 2020-21 campaign.

However, according to talkSPORT, Leicester are preparing to rival Mikel Arteta's side for his signature.

The report claims that the Foxes are planning to offer Bertrand a one-year contract and would view him as competition for the likes of James Justin and Luke Thomas during the 2021-22 campaign.

AC Milan are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding the defender, who has not been involved for Southampton's first team since the middle of April.