Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente but the Italian club have squashed any chances of the Spanish striker leaving.
Llorente who joined Juventus in the summer from Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer has not had much game-time in Turin and was thought to be seeking a move to a club where he could play more so that he makes the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Juventus’ sporting director Giuseppe Marotta told Tuttosport, ‘The player is not for sale, he never has been, he remains with us.
‘There is great confidence in him, he is reaching the top of the physical condition. We are very happy with him and his progress.’
And now Llorente himself has said that he is happy at Juventus and not looking for a move away from the club.
“I’ve not been asked to leave,” Llorente told Radiogaceta de los Deportes in an interview.
“What is being written in the papers is false. I have the complete faith of everyone at Juventus.
“It was not easy for me to adapt to the movements and plays of the team, but I’m slowly managing to do what the boss wants.
“Once I have completely settled then everything will go well.”
So the club do not want to get rid of him and the striker also wants to stay so I think we should pretty much close this ‘Llorente to Arsenal’ speculation now and rather look at other striking options.
Llorente would have been a perfect fit for Arsenal as he has similar physical attributes to Giroud who is leading the line very well. But in the world of football you can never rule out any transfer, no matter what the club or players say.
Wenger shouldnt relax. Go for more quality ones available.