Athletic Club has confirmed that they signed Osasuna right back Jesus Areso, who was also a primary target for Atletico Madrid. The 26-year-old returns to San Mames, where he initially got through, after an intense battle for his signature.
Areso only had a year about his contract in Osasuna, and sports director Braulio Vazquez had publicly admitted that after three rejected offers he did not intend to renew his deal at El Sadar. Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club have been strongly connected to Areso for a number of months.
Atletico Madrid had reached an Areso deal with Osasuna and was frustrated that Athletic had closed a deal with Osasuna, but it turned out that Los Leones had eventually activated his € 12 million release clause. Both parties had negotiated a reimbursement of approximately € 10 million, but the competition in this case worked in favor of Osasuna.
Areso has written a six -year -old deal at Athletic Club, who will hold him there until 2031. With Captain Oscar de Marcos who will retire at the end of last season, Areso will compete with Inigo Lekue, Andoni Gorosabel and possibly even Hugo Rincon before the starting place to the defense's right.
Los Colchoneros was not happy, but quickly moved to make alternative plans. Almeria Right Back seemed to be on his way to Wolves, but Atletico closed a deal for him in a matter of hours and will now have a right back to compete with Marcos Llorente in situ. Nahuel Molina is still on track to leave.
Los Rojillo had planned in advance and signed former Leganes right-back Valentin Rosier earlier in June. Given the unwillingness of Areso to extend his deal, the € 12 million looks like a sound company, with Rosier Impressing last season, his first in La Liga.