Arsenal have been handed a boost in their hopes of signing Fernando Llorente after the striker admitted that he has been struggling at Juventus, the Mirror understands.
The Spain international is one of a number of forwards to be linked with a January move to the Emirates in recent weeks, as Arsene Wenger looks to bring in further cover for Olivier Giroud.
Llorente has started just half of the Seire A champion’s league games so far this season, scoring twice.
Meanwhile, Per Mertesacker has been ruled out of Germany’s clash with Italy tomorrow evening with sickness, according to the Mirror.
The defender has remained in England, and is in a race to be fit for his country’s match against England at Wembley on Tuesday afternoon.
Record Gunners signing Mesut Ozil has been passed fit and is set to play in both matches.
Elsewhere, Thomas Vermaelen has played down any fears of injury by declaring himself fit for Belgium’s matches against Colombia and Japan but has refused to comment of speculation surrounding his future at the Emirates, the Metro understands.
The 28 year old, who started in Premier League for the first time this season at the weekend, has been linked with a move away from North London after losing his place in Arsene Wenger’s starting XI.