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Arsenal’s hopes of signing a world class forward this summer could hinge on the plans of former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

The Ivory Coast international left Galatasaray this week after an 18-month stint in Istanbul and is set to be given a Champions League lifeline with Italian champions Juventus.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Chelsea legend is set to sign a one-year deal at with the Italian giants, who believe he will strike up a fearsome partnership with Carlos Tevez.

And with a new striker to compliment and support Olivier Giroud top of the Wenger’s list of transfer targets Drogba’s move could open the door for the FA Cup winners to make a move for long-term target Fernando Llorente.

Arsene Wenger, who wants to strengthen his attacking options ahead of a title assault next season, has been an admirer of the Spaniard’s qualities for some time and tried to tempt the 29-year-old to the Emirates Stadium before Juve signed him from Athletic Bilbao.

The Arsenal boss even tried to tempt the Spanish star to north London in January but after a slow start to life in Italian football, Llorente found his feet with the Italian giants and started finding the net.

He scored 18 goals in Juve’s Serie A-winning season and his form has also attracted admiring glances from his homeland with reports suggesting new Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has urged the Catalan club to sign the forward.

But Arsenal, who are 9/1 with Ladbrokes to follow up their FA Cup win by claiming the Premier League title next season, are looking to steal a march on their rivals and will bid for Llorente should Drogba head to Juventus Stadium.

Elsewhere, Swansea City have issued a hands off warning to any suitors circling around Spanish striker Michu.

The 28-year-old was reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and Liverpool but Swans manager Gary Monk is set to rebuff any approaches for the star, who has scored 20 goals in 52 appearances for the Welsh club.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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