Arsenal are reportedly ready to raid Athletic Bilbao regarding the potential transfer of Unai Nunez, who has a release clause of €30 million.
According to La Razon, Arsenal are ready to seal a deal for Unai Nunez. The Athletic Bilbao defender has been identified as the desired defensive target for Mikel Arteta as he seeks to strengthen his squad in the summer. Nunez reportedly has a €30 million, which Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay.
However, Nunez isn’t the only Spanish player Arteta is looking at this summer. Apparently Marc Roca of Espanyol and Carlos Soler of Valencia are also being targeted. It seems the Arsenal manager is using his knowledge of Spanish football to address his side’s main problems.
One of those problems is indeed the lack of quality in the defensive unit. The Gunners have performed miserably this campaign, conceding third-worst defensive record in the first half of the league table so far. And it comes as no surprise either.
The north London giants have struggled to find a proper leader following the departure of Laurent Koscielny. New signing David Luiz has made a host of defensive errors throughout the campaign. Same applies to Sokratis and Shkodran Mustaif, who has arguably been the best Arsenal defender since the turn of the year.
Nevertheless, it seems Arteta is keen on rebuilding a new identity in the Arsenal backline next season – one that revolves around young players. Bukayo Saka has already made an impact at left-back while last summer signing William Saliba is set to return from his loan spell at St.Etienne after the end of the season.
The Frenchman could potentially make a breakthrough in the first-team next season. Pablo Mari has shown promising signs and could sign a permanent contract at the club in the summer. Nunez, in that regard, could further revamp Arteta’s defensive options next season.
The Athletic Bilbao star is among one of Spain’s most gifted defenders. At the age of 23, he has already built quite a reputation with his excellent ball distribution, which could certainly improve Arsenal’s build-up play. It is combined with his remarkable defensive work-rate – making him a well-rounded centre-back.
Moreover, Nunez has already made 69 appearances in the Spanish top-flight – experience which could help him settle in quickly in England. But, competition could still be fierce and with Coronavirus affecting the transfer market, it could be a tricky job for Arsenal to secure the services of Nunez this summer.
