Spanish club announce new five-year deal for £25m Arsenal and West Ham-linked defender

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Arsenal and West Ham United were on the lookout for a new defender in the summer transfer window. The Gunners managed to secure a deal for Gabriel Magalhaes, and the Brazilian is proving to be an incredible signing.

West Ham, on the other hand, had arguably their most frustrating window in recent years. The Irons tried extremely hard to sign Burnley star James Tarkowski, but they had three bids turned down by the Clarets (Sky Sports).

David Moyes’ men also tried to sign Wesley Fofana, but their £33 million bid for the teenage sensation wasn’t enough (Sky Sports). Leicester City snapped him up for just £3.5 million more (Guardian) and the young French defender has hit the ground running.

Another incredible talent West Ham were linked with was Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Nunez. The 23-year-old is one of La Liga’s best defenders and the Hammers – along with Arsenal – were reportedly interested in triggering his £25 million release clause (AS).

A move didn’t materialise in the summer, but many felt that Nunez would be an option for several clubs in January. The Spaniard had rejected multiple contract offers from Bilbao, but the speculation has now come to an end.

Athletic Club confirmed on their official website that Nunez has signed a new deal that keeps him at the club until 2025. The Spaniard’s £25 million release clause no longer exists and, if a club wants to sign him, they will have to negotiate directly with the Basque side.

West Ham missed out on a bargain

That really is a missed opportunity for the Hammers. Signing Nunez for £25 million would have been an incredible bargain in the summer.

The Spaniard is an excellent defender. He deals with the physical battles well, his positioning is very impressive and he is also very good with the ball at his feet.

If the Hammers had any hope of signing him in January, that is now gone. He will cost a whole lot more than £25 million, and Bilbao will have the advantage in negotiations this time around.