Report: Arsenal still keen on Unai Nunez as defensive transfer plan B

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Arsenal are reportedly set to continue keeping tabs on Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez, according to a report. 

Diario AS is suggesting that the Gunners have ‘not lost sight’ of the talented defender, despite their apparent intention to try and sign Axel Disasi from Stade de Reims. 

The report also explains why Arsenal might find themselves increasingly interested in the player. 

Nunez currently has a €30 million (£26.8m) release clause in his contract at Bilbao. It is claimed the Basque side have been attempting to tie him down to a new deal and have seen three offers rejected by the player and his entourage. 

The La Liga stalwarts were also obliged to accept an offer from West Ham in January which satisfied the conditions of his exit clause. However, Nunez reportedly rejected the move.

Arsenal are believed to be on the hunt for another central defender to work alongside William Saliba as a long-term option at The Emirates. Saliba is currently on loan at Saint-Etienne but will soon join up with the Arsenal first-team as Ligue 1 has been cancelled. 

Nunez has been in fine form in Spain this season and Arsenal could secure a long-term, dominant, centre-back partnership by bringing the 23-year-old in to compliment Saliba. 

With Tottenham and Southampton also keen on Disasi, there is every chance Arsenal may have to change their plans for the summer. If that is the case, then a swoop on contract rebel Nunez could be perfect.