It seems that Osasuna can be forced this summer to sell right back Jesus Areso, where his contract situation looks increasingly untenable in Pamplona. However, Areso will have offers this summer and could be on its way.
According to Diario AS, Osasuna has done their final contract offer to Areso. Los Rojillo has been talking to him about a new deal for several months, but with their newest proposal they made it clear that it was as high as they could go without breaking through their salary structure. Despite the offer that is one of the best -paid members of their team, Areso seems to reject it.
With another year over his deal, that would open the doors at El Sadar for a movement. Two of the giants of Spain are willing to offer him a route, with Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club both interested in Areso. Diego Simeone is a fan of his, and Atletico would like to add competition for Nahuel Molina, after he had trusted Marcos Llorente for a large part of the season. It fits in both terms of price tag and his progression.
Athletic Club, however, leads the race for Areso, which can leave if his release clause of € 12 million is activated. Ernesto Valverde has made it clear since Oscar de Marcos' retirement that he needs another right back to compete with Andoni Gorosabel as Athletic gets the Champions League, and as such have decided Los Leones that they will definitely take a step for Areso.
The 25-year-old Osasuna has already left Athletic as Academy Player in 2017 and returned to Tajonar in 2021 on a free from Bilbao. The Basque side is currently in fourth position in La Liga, with the UEFA coefficient that La Liga will probably also give a fifth entry to the Champions League next season. Both Villarreal and Real Betis are six points behind athletic, although the yellow submarine has a game in hand.
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