New face in the race for Spanish striker

Come January or June, there probably will not be a hotter transfer target than Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

The Spanish striker has stalled on signing a new deal at San Mames and is current deal expires in the summer of 2013.

The Metro are reporting that Arsenal have become the latest club to join the race for the 27-year-old forward with AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester City and Chelsea also in the hunt for the 6ft 5inch striker.

Llorente has not entirely ruled out staying at Bilbao but his refusal to sign a new deal has put him on the wrong side of his own fans who booed him during Bilbo's last game.

The paper reports that Arsenal have joined the race for him as they seek a long-term replacement for Robin Van Persie as Olivier Giroud has thus far failed to live up to expectations which is a bit harsh as the season has been going all of five league games.

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