We may only be in October, but the summer transfer window is a distant memory and eyes are quickly turning to January.
As such, the rumour mill has slowly started to grind into gear once again and this week saw both Arsenal and Everton linked with Unai Núñez of Athletic Bilbao.
Reports in England suggested the two clubs were keen on the defender, with it stated they were both contemplating making a move.
In truth, it made plenty of sense, with Everton’s lack of depth in defence well documented and Arsenal’s backline hardly inspiring either.
The situation was initially not covered in Spain, but now it has been, and should either club’s interest be genuine, then January may be an excellent time to make their move.
AS explain Núñez is unhappy at Athletic, having found himself out of the first-team of late.
Manager Gaizka Garitano prefers Yeray Álvarez and Iñigo Martínez as his central defensive pair, and that’s left Núñez looking for minutes elsewhere.
It’s claimed that he ‘waits for an exit’ from the club and for the arrival of the January transfer window to secure it.
The newspaper makes it clear that there have been no ‘movements’, despite media claims from around Europe about the interest in him.
Likewise, Athletic Bilbao are yet to show their hand, and there has been no contact between the player and the club about a move.
Núñez has however changed his agent, swapping to Valencian agency Leaderbrocks Sports, which often happens when a player is lining up a departure.
AS confirm the defender does have a €30m release clause in his contract, a price that scared away Cardiff, Watford and Crystal Palace last January, so that is the fee either Everton or Arsenal will have to pay should they want to turn their rumoured interest into something more concrete.
