• Premier League

Llorente in frame for Arsenal loan switch

ESPN staff
October 11, 2013
Llorente linked with Arsenal loan move

Fernando Llorente has emerged as a stop-gap transfer target for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his attack in January.

Olivier Giroud has started the season in fine form with six goals, but he is Wenger's only fit senior forward. In the summer Wenger tried desperately to sign first Gonzalo Higuain - who opted for Napoli - and then Luis Suarez, who stayed put at Liverpool.

Suarez remains a target for Arsenal but Wenger will again find it difficult to prise him away from Anfield, and will face competition from Real Madrid.

Wenger could instead turn to securing a loan deal for Juventus striker Llorente as a short-term solution.

Llorente, 28, has struggled to break into the starting line-up since joining Juventus from Athletic Bilbao this summer, and is firmly behind Carlos Tevez in the pecking order at the Italian club.

He may seek regular football in a bid to secure a place in Vicente Del Bosque's Spain squad for the World Cup.

The loan deal would provide Wenger with perfect back-up for Giroud as Arsenal look to continue their excellent start to the season, which has taken them top of the Premier League and their Champions League group.

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