Arsenal Transfer News: Fernando Llorente is Robin Van Persie Replacement?

Arsenal are preparing a move for Athletic Bilbao and Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente, should Robin Van Persie leave this summer. The Daily Mail reports that Wenger is hoping for a quick resolution to the ongoing Van Persie contract saga with the season now less than a month away. The veteran French manager is preparing for the first game when they welcome Sunderland to the Emirates and he wants to know whether Van Persie should be part of his plans or a replacement. Wenger has reportedly drew up a shortlist of replacements for Van Persie and top of the list currently is Llorente. Wenger and his scouting team have spoken in-depth about adding the 27-year-old talisman to their squad next season, hoping he can bring the 28 goals he scored for Bilbao last season to the Premier League to fill the void likely to be left from Van Persie's expected exit. Llorente has a £28 million release clause written into his contract and Arsenal hope to use the money they receive from Van Persie to switch straight over to Llorente. At 6ft 5ins tall, Llorente would bring a more physical and old fashioned centre-forward sensibilities to Arsenal and would go some way to appease the fans who are disillusioned by years of top stars leaving the club and lack of trophies.