The Serie A giants Juventus have confirmed the signing of Spanish striker Fernando Llorente on a four-year deal in the summer on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao.

Fernando Llorente joins Italian giants Juventus

The 27 year old has been linked to a move to Turin since the summer after he turned down £4.8million deal by Athletic and has been sparingly used by Coach Marcelo Bielsav following a training ground row.

The Italians wanted to sign him even in the summer but the high asking price proved to be an obstacle, however, with his contract due to expire, Llorente was free to discuss terms with any club.

Though any financial information about the move is yet to be released, it is rumoured that the striker will earn €4.5million a season in wages.

“The future of Llorente is black and white,” read a statement on Juve’s official website.

“The Spain international, who will soon be out of contract at Athletic Bilbao, has signed an agreement that will bind him to Juventus from 1 July 2013. The contract, for a period of four years, will expire 30 June 2017.

“Until the end of this season the striker will continue to play for Athletic Bilbao.”

Llorente has made 334 appearances for Athletic, scoring 104 goals in all competitions since his debut in 2004.During the 2011-12 campaign his 29 goals helped the Basque outfit to the Copa del Rey and Europa League finals.

The striker has made 27 appearances for Spain, scoring 7 goals, and was a part of the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship sides, winning them both. He is a product of Athletic’s academy, and has been at the club his whole career except for a year-long loan away at Baskonia in 2003.

Despite leading Serie A by five points, the Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte has struggled with his attack and have long been looking for a striker with the likes of Alessandro Matri, Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic failing to impress on a consistent basis and the Spaniards signing would reinforce the squad.

Premier League clubs Tottenham and Arsenal were also reportedly keen on signing the striker.

Tags: Arsenal, Athletic Bilbao, Coach, Copa del Rey, Europa League, Fernando Llorente, Juventus, Marcelo Bielsav, Premier League, Serie A, Tottenham