Gunners want to bring target man to the Emirates.
Arsenal are ready to challenge Serie A giants Juventus for the signature of Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, reports German website 4-4-2.
The Spain international is in the final year of his contract at San Mames and is almost certain to leave the Basque club in January, with Bilbao understood to be willing to accept offers in the region of £12m for the star.
Llorente has barely featured for the La Liga club this season and has faced boos from his own supporters, amid reports he has flatly refused to extend his stay and wants to play Champions League football.
The 27-year-old also had a high profile bust-up with outspoken head-coach Marcelo Bielsa and the relationship between the pair has reportedly broken down beyond repair.
Arsenal have struggled for goals this season, after selling star striker Robin van Persie over the summer.
The Gunners have drawn blanks against Sunderland, Stoke City and Norwich, and boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly concerned that his side lack the firepower to break down defensively-minded opponents.
Summer signing Olivier Giroud has failed to impress since arriving for £12m from Montpellier, while Marouane Chamakh is untrusted and unused.
Llorente has consistently scored throughout his career and was part of Spain successful Euro 2012 winning squad.
The North Londoners are likely to face competition from Italians Juventus, who tried to sign Llorente in the summer, and Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.
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