Fernando Llorente joins Sevilla as free transfer after Juventus cancel his contract

Fernando Llorente is on the verge of a free transfer move to Sevilla after Juventus agreed to cancel his contract. The Spanish striker had been linked with a number of Premier League clubs in the current mercato, including Manchester United and Arsenal, but he instead opted to return to his homeland to join the Europa League champions.

The 30-year-old forward moved to the Serie A big boys in 2013 after running down his contract at Athletic Bilbao. He had an impressive debut campaign under Antonio Conte's charge, but last season saw his playing time restricted following the arrival of Max Allegri as manager and Alvaro Morata as a new squad member in his position.

And after La Vecchia Signora further boosted their attack with the signings of Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala during this window, Llorente has opted to leave the club. He was linked with moves to a number of major European outfits, including Real Madrid, Monaco, Porto, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Last month, Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport claimed Llorente's agent was in London for talks with the Gunners, after Arsene Wenger admitted he would consider signing a new striker if a quality player was offered to him.

Meanwhile, The Mirror said Manchester United were also monitoring the situation, with the Spanish hitman was Louis van Gaal's "summer surprise signing" – after the manager was linked with a move for a forward.

But with Sevilla looking for a player to fill the gap left by the departure of Carlo Bacca to AC Milan, Llorente instead moved on a free transfer, after Juventus agreed to cancel his contract.