According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly keen on bringing Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente to north London, but only if the club decides to sell Robin van Persie.
Llorente has put together three straight 20-goal seasons for Bilbao, including a career-best 29 goals in 2011-12.
In fact, since landing a place in Los Leones starting XI, the Spaniard has not tallied fewer than 11 goals in La Liga. In case you’re counting, that’s five consecutive La Liga campaigns with 10+ goals.
The 27-year-old forward has a £28 million release clause included in his current contract.
This could be an issue if the Gunners’ cannot get £20 million or more for Van Persie, or if Bilbao are unwilling to negotiate a deal below Llorente’s massive buy-out clause.
The Spain international netted 29 goals and four assists in all competitions for Bilbao last season, including two goals in two matches — both won by Bilbao — against Premier League giants Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League.
Subject: Wenger eyeing Llorente as possible replacement for RVP 
Sat Jul 21, 2012 12:00 am