Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is thought to be an admirer of Bilbao’s Venezuela international, Fernando Amorebieta and was keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in the winter transfer window in January, however he failed in his attempts. The Frenchman is believed to be reconsidering going for the defender in the summer in a fresh attempt to sign him.

Currently, the 27-year old is having an impressive season on an individual level. However, the same cannot be said about his club Athletic Bilbao, which are languishing in the league in 16th spot, and are engaged in the relegation scramble.

Amorebieta joined the Spanish side in 2005, and having spent 8 years, is thought to be ready for a new challenge abroad. This has given Wenger the required impetus to launch a bid for his services.

Arsene Wenger’s interest in a new center back is justified, given the inconsistent performances from the ones Arsenal currently possess. Captain Thomas Vermaelen is not having his best season in an Arsenal jersey. Many believe that the pressure of captaincy is getting to the Belgian, hence his performances are being affecting. French international Laurent Koscielny, even though he has put in solid performances, is thought to be a bit error prone. German defender Per Mertesacker is considered to be caught out of position too often, and is also judged to be a bit slow for the demands of the English Premier League. All in all, Arsenal have conceded too many weak goals this season, and some have been down to the defensive lapses of their center-backs.

Hence, Wenger is keen to bolster his defense with the capture of Amorebieta, who could possibly be the one to plug the holes left by the Arsenal defense. Also, with the 27-year old at the peak of his career, Wenger feels that he has a lot to offer, and that a summer swoop could be the perfect time to sign him.

However, the London club is not the only interested party involved. Italian giants Juventus too have shown a keen interest in Amorebieta of late, and are themselves thought to be preparing their own bid. Bilbao are already resolved to lose their biggest star to Juventus in the form of Spanish international Fernando Llorente, as the striker himself has revealed that a deal has been agreed, which will see him move to Italy once the current season gets over. Juventus are therefore, looking to further raid Bilbao by capturing Amorebieta along with Llorente, completing a double swoop.

Now it remains to be seen which of the two European giants wins this race to sign the highly-rated defender in the summer. Will Wenger and the irresistible lure of English football win? Or will the might of Italian league leaders Juventus have the final laugh?