Athletic contacted Unai López to be updated on any offers as contract nears end | OneFootball

Athletic contacted Unai López months ago to be kept informed of any offers before next season, with the Rayo Vallecano midfielder out of contract this summer. El Correo reports the request came as the club weigh midfield options.

López was told he is among candidates to strengthen the middle but without a firm offer, and asked to relay proposals he receives from elsewhere.

With a little over two months left, he has not renewed. His last extension arrived on 1 July 2024 after the previous deal had expired, Rayo want to keep him, and Sevilla, Girona and Mallorca are also tracking him.

A key piece for Iñigo Pérez, López has played 36 matches this season, scoring two and assisting four. He fits Athletic’s preferred profile, La Liga proven and potentially available without a fee.

The club are considering repeating a policy that has served Jon Uriarte’s four years, prioritising free agents over costly buys. They also explored Iván Martín on loan with an option last summer but talks ended without agreement.

Martín is under contract until 2028, raising costs, though Athletic remain interested. Ibaigane aim to bolster midfield without straining finances, with Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, 32, needing support, and Peio Canales and Genenabarrera returning from Racing and Castellón.

Final calls will follow Edin Terzic’s input, with a two-year deal to be formalised.

Source: El Correo