Arsenal and Liverpool have had identical offers for Islam Slimani rejected by Sporting Lisbon, according to reports.

Slimani had a stunning season for Sporting last term, bagging 31 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions.

This has understandably caught the attention of a number of top clubs and Leicester were linked with the 26-year-old as a possible replacement for Jamie Vardy.

Sporting's manager Jorge Jesus even talked up Slimani's suitability for the Premier League and boasted he could score 'double' the goals of Vardy next season.

However, the Portuguese club seem to be playing hard ball with their star man and have already rejected a number of offers for Slimani.

Portuguese website Noticias Minuto claims Sporting have already turned down a £19million offer from Leicester and have also knocked back fresh bids from Arsenal and Liverpool.

The report says the Premier League duo made identical bids in the region of £20m, both of which were rejected by club president Bruno de Carvalho.

It is said Carvalho will be forced to sell if Slimani's £24m release clause is activated, however the clause expires on June 30, meaning Sporting could demand a higher fee next month.

In addition to Arsenal, Leicester and Liverpool, the report says Tottenham and Lazio could also make a formal offer for Slimani soon.

Source: Daily Express

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