Asmir Begovic
Asmir Begovic Reuters

Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly entered the race for Stoke City goalkeeper and Manchester United target Asmir Begovic.

The £15 m-rated Bosnian has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season, but according to the Mirror, the two London outfits would now attempt to lure the stopper away from the Red Devils.

Arsenal have been linked to several experienced goalkeepers of late, after Arsene Wenger admitted his doubts surrounding the mental strength of Wojciech Szczesny, ahead of the Bayern Munich game earlier this month. Meanwhile, Chelsea want a long-term replacement for veteran Petr Cech, and are now keen on Begovic, after having an offer for him knocked back by Stoke three years ago.

Begovic, who joined Stoke from Portsmouth in a £3.25m deal in 2010, has made 30 Premier League appearances this season, notching 10 clean sheets.

Begovic Pleased to Have United Scouts Watching Him

Meanwhile, Begovic has admitted he is happy to have United scouts monitoring him on a regular basis.

Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to be considering a summer swoop for the 25-year-old, who was watched by United representatives during Bosnia's 3-1 win over Greece on Friday.

"I'm not under more pressure because United are watching me, I'm glad that they do because that mean I'm doing something good. It gives me more motivation to do better and better," Begovic said.

"I'm pleased that the big clubs are interested in me, but as I said many times, I'm happy at Stoke City because they gave me a chance to play in the Premier League. We will see what will happen in the summer. In football you can never know what will happen," the keeper added.

Speculation surrounding Begovic's uncertain future at the Britannia was fuelled, when the Potters signed English prodigy Jack Butland from Birmingham City during the January transfer window.