Arsenal are ready to make a move for Athletic Bilbao centre-back Unai Nunez, according to Deia. The Basque publication reports that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta would like to bring the 23-year-old to the Emirates.

The London club were reportedly focused on recruiting Manchester City’s John Stones but they have now switched targets to the Spaniard who has a €30m (£26m) release clause.

Bilbao have offered Nunez a contract extension on improved terms, but the player has yet to respond to the offer, with the defender having recently switched agents which may increase the chance of a move going ahead.

The centre-half has not always been a first-team regular this campaign, with manager Gaizka Garitano having made Inigo Martinez and Yeray Alvarez his preferred pairing in the middle of the defence.

With Nunez’s buyout clause still in place, it means Arsenal are in with a shout of securing the Spanish international’s signature.