Arsenal and Chelsea fight for Spanish international striker playing in Serie A

Arsenal and Chelsea also face competition from Spurs for proven finisher…
Arsenal and Chelsea could face competition from Spurs for Juventus’ Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, when the January transfer window opens, reports the Mirror.


The 28-year-old arrived at the Serie A champions on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao this summer, but is currently stuck behind former Premier League star Carlos Tevez and Mirco Vucinic in the Juventus pecking order.

He is disgruntled with life in Italy, and wants to cut his losses and move on at the nearest opportunity.
Llorente bagged 118 goals during his nine year spell at Bilbao, including 29 in the 2011/12 season, when many regarded him as one of Europe’s premier strikers. The 6ft 5″ goal-poacher only managed five last season though, and is yet to bag for the Italian champions.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all keen to take advantage of his situation, although it is unclear just how much first-team football any of the Premier League challengers would be able to offer the Spaniard.



Chelsea have signed Samuel Eto’o to compete with Fernando Torres and Demba Ba, while Arsenal have the Premier League’s in-form striker Olivier Giroud starting up-top and playing brilliantly. With Lukas Podolski returning from injury before the new year, Llorente would unlikely be a first choice at the Emirates either.

The same can be said for Tottenham, who have Llorente’s international compatriot Roberto Soldado playing as a lone striker. With only the wantaway Emanuel Adebayor, and the ageing Jermain Defoe as backup – Spurs may take a punt on Llorente if he is available cheaply.

Llorente’s physicality and ability in the air would traditionally suit a Premier League side, although none of the three clubs reportedly interested in him play a style of football where his size would be a particular asset.

With Spurs and Arsenal happy with their main striker, it could be Chelsea who are prepared to gamble on Llorente – after watching Eto’o's miserable debut in the away defeat to Everton on Saturday. Manager Jose Mourinho has sent Romelu Lukaku on loan, and clearly doesn’t rate Torres or Ba, so could move for the 22-cap international in the coming months.