Santiago Arias has seen limited game time this season with Atletico Madrid (Getty Images)
As per journalist Diego Rueda (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton are planning a move for Atletico Madrid defender Santiago Arias.
The report suggests that the Toffees are in search of a right-back and are ready to make a bid for the Colombian, who has three more years left on his contract with the La Liga outfit. Everton have been long-term admirers of Arias.
Born in Colombia, Arias came through the ranks of La Equidad’s youth system and joined Sporting CP in the summer of 2011. Two years later, he was signed by PSV Eindhoven, where he made 172 appearances. He excelled at the club for five years, helping them lift three Dutch league titles and two Dutch Super Cup titles.
Atletico Madrid picked him up in the summer of 2018 and he immediately established himself as a regular started under Diego Simeone and was a part of the side which won the UEFA Super Cup in 2018/19. However, he struggled with injuries last season and could make just 14 league appearances.
Arias has also been a regular member of the Colombian national team since making his debut in 2013 and has made 53 appearances so far.
Though the Toffees improved under Carlo Ancelotti last season, they managed to finish 12th in the league standings. The manager has brought in a few key players for the new season but there is a need for some defensive reinforcements in the squad.
At the moment, only two right-backs are available at the manager’s disposal. Club captain Seamus Coleman is already 31 and is reaching the twilight of his career. Youngster Jonjoe Kenny has failed to establish himself in the first-team squad and spent the previous season on loan with Schalke.
French right-back Djibril Sidibe was on loan at Everton and he has returned to Monaco. Thus, Everton should bring in a right-back this summer and Arias would be a suitable option for the club.
The 28-year-old has already proven himself in the Netherlands and also did a decent job under Simeone before struggling with injuries. Now that he has fallen down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid, the Toffees should make a move for him. His inclusion would certainly add depth to their backline, whilst also bringing healthy competition to Coleman.
The Colombian has made over 280 career appearances and his experience could come in handy for the club. He could also be a replacement for Coleman, who is ageing.
With limited quality at the back, it is clear that the Toffees are in dire need of right-backs. And Arias could provide them with some much-needed depth. He still has a few more years to play at the top level and thus, Everton should lure him to Goodison Park.
