Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sadio Mane Rumours Emerge

The ball is in Zlatan Ibrahimovic's court when it comes to extending his stay at Paris Saint-Germain next summer, it's emerged, while Chelsea have found new competition in the race to sign Southampton's Sadio Mane.

Ibrahimovic's deal at Parc des Princes expires in June, and PSG manager Laurent Blanc confessed this week he's unsure as to whether the 34-year-old will sign a new deal, per the Daily Mail's Elliott Bretland:

"It's a big question mark. His contract will run until June 2016 so it's more about what the player wants to do. We are all focused on the league right now but that is a question we will ask ourselves. At 34, Zlatan is showing that he has still got it."

Björn Lindgren/TT/Associated Press

Earlier this week, ESPN Deportes reported Ibrahimovic could sign a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea in January, when he enters the last six months of his PSG deal (h/t Dan Gibbs of the Daily Express).

Despite being at the latter end of his career, the Sweden international remains one of Europe's most prolific attackers and has scored 10 goals in 11 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea sit 14th in the Premier League and have scored just 17 goals in 14 games—fewer than ay team in the top half of the table—with last season's star striker, Diego Costa, among the misfiring strikers.

Ibrahimovic worked under Blues manager Jose Mourinho for a single season at Inter, when the duo won the 2008-09 Serie A title together. Options are sure to be opening up ahead of Ibrahimovic prior to next summer, where he could be a valuable capture, both as a merchandising tool and an effective striker.

Speaking to Radio Crc, the forward's agent, Mino Raiola, is alleged to have stated Ibrahimovic holds a hope of signing for Napoli before he retires, according to journalist Tancredi Palmeri:

At 34, Ibrahimovic may be looked upon as past his best to some, but after guiding PSG to three successive Ligue 1 titles and firing his nation to Euro 2016, he's showing he still has a lot to offer at the top.

Bretland quoted the veteran in his report, saying "so long as I am feeling well, I will continue to play," and Chelsea may see enough longevity in his talents to offer Ibrahimovic a new venture in west London.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

The contest to sign Southampton attacker Mane is becoming equally heated following reports Bayern Munich have joined the Blues and Manchester United in pursuit of the 23-year-old.

That's according to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, who described Chelsea's interest in the player as "concrete," meaning 2016 will likely bring about another effort to recruit his services.

Mane came to St. Mary's as a winger, but with 17 goals in 51 appearances for the Saints, the Senegal international has been an excelletn supporting figure alongside Graziano Pelle.

Squawka Dave recently highlighted a terrific, direct performance against Manchester City, where Mane showed some of the urgency and vigour Chelsea's attack has been lacking this term:

It's a trait the west Londoners may well desire as they currently boast the joint-fifth-worst dribbling percentage in the Premier League this season, according to Squawka statistics.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman will look to divert his star's attention away from a winter exit, but with some of Europe's biggest outfits lurking, it could prove difficult to keep hold of Mane.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Eden Hazard and summer signing Pedro are just two of those struggling to hit top form in 2015-16, but Mane has shown plenty of desire since arriving in England, something Chelsea appear to be lacking.

Adding German giants Bayern Munich to the hunt for the former Red Bull Salzburg star will be unwelcome news, however, for a club who could struggle to lure top talent should this term's struggles continue.