Arsenal Transfer News: Fernando Llorente to Replace Robin Van Persie?

As the transfer saga surrounding Robin van Persie continues to wage on, Spanish forward Fernando Llorente is the name being thrown around as a possible replacement for the Gunners striker.

Van Persie is said to want out of the club over the summer transfer window, with Juventus his most likely destination, and should that take place, Arsenal would need another go-to forward up front.

Neither Olivier Giroud nor Lukas Podolski can instantly become the main man in attack for the Gunners, with neither having proven themselves in the English Premier League yet. Both will be options in attack for Arsenal, but they cannot fill the void left by Robin van Persie, should he leave.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are lining up Llorente as a replacement for their captain—believing that the Atletic Bilbao striker can adequately replace the Dutch international at the Emirates.

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Arsenal will pursue a move for Atletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente if Robin van Persie leaves this summer.

Manager Arsene Wenger wants a quick resolution to the Van Persie saga so he can either prepare for the new season with the Dutchman in his plans or have enough time to find a replacement.

And Sportsmail understands Wenger and his scouting team have spoken at depth about a move for Spanish forward Llorente should their talisman leave.

The 27-year-old, who scored 28 goals for Bilbao last season, has a £28 million release clause written into his contract. Wenger would use the £20 million or more from Van Persie's sale in his attempt to lure the striker.

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The Atletic Bilbao striker would certainly offer the attacking presence that would be missed by Van Persie's departure from the club. Standing well over six-feet, Llorente has the physical attributes in the air and on the ball to thrive in the English Premier League and could be a huge success at the Emirates.

Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic and Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski are also touted as possible replacements for the Dutch international, though Lewandowski is unlikely to be let go by his current owners.

Truth be told, no striker in the world can replace everything that Robin van Persie was to Arsenal.

But as far as replacements go, Llorente is certainly one of the better options to pursue and would keep the Gunners in the hunt for a top-four spot in the Premier League this season.

Is Fernando Llorente worth pursuing as a replacement for Robin van Persie?

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