Former Arsenal Target Amorebieta To Make Fulham Switch - Report

Fulham have reportedly agreed terms with Athletic Bilbao centre-half Fernando Amorebieta in a move that will see him join the Cottagers this summer.

The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal since announcing his intention to leave the Basque club this summer after rejecting offers of a new contract. Russian duo Anzhi Makhachkala and Zenit St Petersburg have also been reported as possible suitors, but, according to Marca, Fulham have beaten the competition to the defender's signature, agreeing a four year deal with the defender.

Athletic Bilbao reportedly offered Amorebieta a new five year contract worth €1.8 million a year in efforts to keep him at San Mames, but he has opted to join Fulham on a reduced wage.

The defender will reportedly leave the club this summer, where he will be swiftly followed by Fernando Llorente. The Spanish international agreed terms with Serie A champions Juventus earlier this year, after also turning down a contract extension and now Athletic are set to lose both players on free transfers.

Amorebieta revealed through his agent last month that he saw his future in the Premier League, and although it was suggested there was interest emanating from the Emirates Stadium, there had been no offers put forward.

"We have had some contact with other clubs, such as Anzhi, but Fernando wishes to play in the Premier League and that is our priority," Amorebieta's brother and agent, Kepa, said.

"There have been calls and sounds from Arsenal, but we still do not have a formal offer from them on the table."

Fulham announced last month that they had successfully negotiated a contract extension with Brede Hangeland, with the Norwegian committing himself to the west London club until at least 2015.

The prospect of a central defensive partnership between Hangeland and the similarly imposing Amorebieta will have many Fulham fans salivating as Martin Jol looks to continue his impressive work at the club.