Arsenal want to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Núñez this summer, according to reports from La Razón
Mikel Arteta regards Núñez as the ideal player to bolster his defensive options for next season. The Gunners occupy 9th position in the Premier League and have conceded 40 goals in 28 games prior to the suspension of football in March.
Arsenal to Make Unai Núñez a Priority Signing
£30 Million Release Clause
The release clause in Núñez’s contract stands at £30 million. Arsenal look set to pay the clause to secure the 23-year-old.
However, it’s likely the North London club will face competition for the central defender’s signature this summer due to the reasonable release clause.
Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan continue to monitor the situation and could also move for the Spanish centre-back.
Núñez a Priority for Arsenal Boss
Núñez emerged as a top priority for Arteta. The new Arsenal manager wants to re-shape his squad for next season, starting in defence.
The 23-year-old played in 18 games for Bilbao this season in all competitions before the season was suspended. He is used as a bit-part player by manager Gaizka Garitano and was an unused substitute on 14 occasions this season.
The Spanish defender came through the Bilbao youth setup before making 33 La Liga appearances in his breakthrough season in 2017/18. He played 69 games for Los Leones since stepping up to the first team.
Arteta hopes to find alternatives for the defensive trio of David Luiz, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi. Núñez will provide a longer-term option for Arsenal.
A Bargain for Arsenal
Given the financial difficulties most clubs are facing as a result of coronavirus, purchasing a player of Núñez’s potential for as little as £30 million would be a coup for Arsenal.
It is unsurprising that Arteta wants the Bilbao defender as a priority. He would be a youthful addition to an ageing defensive line while his proven reliability for Bilbao would suit Arteta’s re-shaping plans at the Emirates.
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