Brilliant forward could move to Emirates Stadium in January.
Arsenal are set to make an early bid to sign Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao in an attempt to secure the Spain star for January, according to the Times.
Llorente has confirmed he will leave his current club at the end of the season, and the Times’ story states that Juventus, Bayern Munich and Manchester City will rival the Gunners for his signature.
‘Arsenal have contacted the player’s representatives to ascertain what his wage demands would be and are certain to make Llorente an offer at the end of the season. City, Bayern Munich and Juventus have also made inquiries,’ continues the Times article.
‘All four, though, are expected to attempt to tempt Bilbao into releasing the player next month, with Arsenal’s need the most pressing. Arsène Wenger has prioritised signing a striker to support or supplant Olivier Giroud, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, of Schalke, and Demba Ba, of Newcastle United, under consideration. Thierry Henry will rejoin the club from New York Red Bulls, on a six-week loan.’
With Llorente and Huntelaar out of contract in the summer, and Demba Ba available for the relatively cheap price of £7.5m due to his release clause, Arsenal are clearly still shopping in the bargain bins – but the calibre of player has changed.
Arsene Wenger has moved on from his traditional model of young players with potential, and to sign Llorente would be a hugely significant move.
He has a World Cup and European Championship winner’s medal, and bringing a clear winner to Arsenal would be a clear statement of intent.
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