Marotta : Llorente not for sale!

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta insists the club have no plans to cash in on Bosman capture Fernando Llorente.

The striker joined the club in the summer after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired. Rumours in recent days have suggested Arsenal are showing an interest in possibly making a €20m bid for him.

“But the player is not for sale,” the club official is quoted as saying by Tuttosport on Thursday. “He’s never been available.

“He will stay here with us. There is great faith in the boy and he is reaching his peak condition. We’re very happy with him ad his progress.”

Llorente initially struggled for action upon his arrival in Turin, but he has been used with increasing regularity by boss Antonio Conte.

The Spanish international has one goal in eight Serie A games, but has struck twice in three Champions League ties – both of those came against Real Madrid.