Juventus are set to up their efforts to sign Arsenal transfer target Fernando Llorente, according to The Daily Mail.

The Spain international forward is in the last year of his contract with Athletic Bilbao, and has signalled his intent to leave the San Mames club for a new challenge.

The Turin giants are in the market for a big-name striker, and are thought to highly-rate Llorente.

With his contract expiring, it is believed that the Serie A champions will offer the Spaniards £5 million in the January transfer window, and are ready to make him their highest paid player on £145,000 per week.

Arsenal are still in the market for a new frontman as a long-term replacement for Robin van Persie, who left the club to join Manchester United in the summer.

The Gunners did sign Olivier Giroud, but Arsene Wenger is eager to provide competition for a starting place for the France international and bolster his options in attack.

The Emirates Stadium outfit are also an admirer of Llorente, who they have had their eye on for some time.

Arsenal are hoping to take advantage of Llorente's expiring contract, but now must fight the financial might of Juventus if they are to convince the targetman to move to north London.

Llorente had a training ground bust-up with Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa earlier in the season, and it is believed that the Basque side are ready to cash in on him to avoid losing their star on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.