Arsenal join Manchester City and Chelsea in hunt for Llorente?

Arsenal have apparently become the latest club to express an interest in Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

The 27-year-old is out of contract next summer and, with talks of a new deal stalling, the Spanish club are ready to cash in on their man in January, according to The Metro.

It now seems that Arsene Wenger's side are ready to launch an offer for Llorente, who is seen as a replacement for Robin van Persie.

However, the Gunners will face serious competition from other Premier League clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan.

The Spanish forward had his best year to date last season, scoring 30 goals in 53 appearances for Athletic Club. The Spanish international has not ruled out staying with the club, but it does look unlikely after he was booed by his own fans in the game against Espanyol last week.

Llorente, who has been at Athletic Club his whole career, is valued at around £15 million.