Arsenal should consider a hasty move for Unai Nunez ahead of next season, after El Correo report that he hasn’t yet come to an agreement over a new contract with Athletic Bilbao.
The 23-year old defender was linked with the Gunners, as well as Everton, as far back as October. At the time, Nunez was struggling for game time behind defensive duo Inigo Martinez and Yeray, and a January move looked likely.
Since early December though, while scattered, the Spaniard has been a more regular fixture in Bilbao’s plans, playing eight of the club’s last 12 games in La Liga.
El Gol Digital reiterated Arsenal’s desire to sign Nunez earlier this month, and with Bilbao’s sporting director Rafa Alkorta confirming to El Correo that the defender has already rejected two contract offers, the Gunners should now consider making a move.
With William Saliba set to return from loan this summer, some fans have anticipated that the 18-year old will be made a starting player under Mikel Arteta, with a centre-back target set to become his partner in defence.
Express Sport had reported earlier this month that Dayot Upamecano was a major target for the Gunners, but with RB Leipzig likely to demand a significant fee for the £45million-rated defender, Nunez could be a cheaper alternative.
The Spaniard’s stats indicate that he could be a valuable squad addition too. Nunez’ 1.3 average interceptions per game outranks both David Luiz and Sokratis, as does his average amount of clearances (4.3), while he averages more blocks per game (0.8) than Pablo Mari and Shkodran Mustafi.
With a centre-back clearly on the club’s agenda, they should certainly consider a move for Nunez.
