Fernando Llorente Would Make Great Investment for Arsenal Next Transfer Period

Arsenal is reportedly already looking ahead to January's transfer window, placing Fernando Llorente in their sights as a short-term rental. The acquisition could help the Gunners maintain their position on top of the Premier League table in 2014.

According to The Guardian's Paul Doyle, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will target the 28-year-old as a short-term solution:

"

Buoyed by the success of Mesut Özil, the Arsenal manager is getting the hang of this transfer lark and reckons January would be an ideal time to bring in a striker to lighten Olivier Giroud's load – so Arsenal will move for Llorente, who is currently on bench duty at Juventus as Carlos Tevez tears up Serie A.

"

Doyle added that Luis Suarez, who has helped move past his off-field drama with three goals in two Premier League matches, remains Arsenal's long-term goal.

Llorente has scored just once for Juventus, but his playing has dwindled with Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal each netting three games. A change of scenery would benefit both Llorente and Arsensal, who can use another scoring threat to complement Olivier Giroud.

Giroud has tallied four of the team's 14 goals through seven matches, with newcomer Ozil offering three assists early in the season. Ozil's unselfish playmaking abilities have helped the Gunners attain a first-place tie with Liverpool, but some more firepower never hurts.

During the 2011/12 season, Llorente notched 17 goals for Athletic Bilbao through 24 games. He collected 18 the previous season in La Liga play, bolstering his stock immensely in the Spanish circuit.

Rotting on the bench does no good for Llorente, especially with the World Cup coming next summer. Llorente could earn playing time for Wenger while getting a taste of Premier League competition, all helping the striker in the long run.

The move would give the Gunners some added versatility alongside Giroud. Aaron Ramsey also has snagged four goals for Arsenal, making him its only other player who has scored more than once. Despite his strong start, the 22-year-old still remains an unproven commodity, causing the squad to search for reinforcements in its quest for a championship.

If the Spaniard does not pan out, Arsenal moves on in the summer to bigger and brighter options, such as Suarez. Wenger will only pull the trigger on a loan.