Arsenal Transfer News: Fernando Llorente Talks Revealed, Latest Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly held talks with the agent of Juventus striker Fernando Llorente about a potential move to the Emirates.

That’s according to Tuttosport (h/t James Orr of the Independent), who claims that there were discussions between the two parties on Tuesday. As the piece notes, the report emerges this week after Arsene Wenger suggested he is looking to bolster his squad, and the Gunners do look a little light in advanced areas of the field with the season opener creeping closer.

Here’s a look at the kind of attributes Llorente will add to Arsenal’s attack should he join up:

Since signing for Juventus, the striker hasn’t really set the world alight. Llorente has always provided a decent foil for Carlos Tevez and has helped the Bianconeri to a couple of Serie A titles, but he found himself shunted down the pecking order last season after the arrival of Alvaro Morata.

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Although Tevez has left, the arrivals of Paulo Dybala, Simone Zaza and Mario Mandzukic mean first team opportunities will be at even more of a premium for the Spanish international. Arsenal, it seems, could be ready to capitalise.

As WhoScored.com illustrates here, Llorente would bring an aerial presence to Arsene Wenger’s side:

In addition, the former Athletic Club man is an elegant target who would complement Arsenal's worldly midfielders, offer a major threat from set pieces and add a cool head in front of goal. However, all of the above traits could easily be applied to Olivier Giroud, who led the line with distinction at the Emirates last season.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

If Arsenal do go and buy a striker, Wenger needs to sign a player who will bring something different to the cause. John Cross of the Daily Mirror thinks an injection of quality in this area could potentially reap major benefits:

Llorente isn’t the man to bring the Premier League trophy back to north London, though. He’d be another decent option and an ideal replacement for Giroud, but he’s not the player Arsenal need to tilt precarious encounters in their favour. Nor will he add a crucial variety that all title-winning outfits desperately need.

The 30-year-old would surely jump at the chance to join the Gunners, and his rumbustious brand of centre-forward play will ensure he has no issue adapting to the Premier League. But it’s more of the same for Arsenal should a transfer go ahead and a deal that’s likely to underwhelm those at the Emirates who are dreaming big this season.