Juventus in talks with Manchester City and Arsenal 'target' Fernando Llorente

Athletic Bilbao striker is out of contract at the end of the season

Fernando Llorente (GETTY IMAGES)

Athletic Bilbao have announced striker Fernando Llorente is in talks with Juventus about a move to last season's Serie A champions.

The 27-year-old's contract is up at San Mames at the end of the season and the Spanish international has stated that he will be leaving the Primera Division side.

Juventus and various Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool, have been heavily linked with Llorente, who scored 24 goals last season to help propel Marcelo Bielsa's side to the final of the Europa League and a 10th place league finish.

After announcing his decision to leave, Llorente has been used sparingly by Bielsa this campaign, scoring just twice in 16 matches, the majority of which have come from the bench.

His lack of goals has seemingly done little to put off Juventus - who are eight points clear at the top of Serie A and on course to retain the title.

"Juventus Football Club informed Athletic Club on January 3 that, knowing Fernando Llorente will end his stint at our club on June 30, 2013, they will begin negotiations with the player to incorporate him into their squad," the statement read.

PA