Everton make enquiries about Atletico Madrid right-back Santiago Arias
Everton have asked about Atletico Madrid right-back Santiago Arias as he looks to leave the La Liga champions, according to WinSportsTV journalist Pipe Sierra.
The Colombian journalist, followed by the likes of Alan Myers and Paul Joyce on Twitter posted the information on his personal account late on Saturday night.
He tweeted: “Santiago Arias (29) will leave Atletico Madrid this season, but his future is still unclear.
“PSV, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen have asked about the Colombian, but they still have not made a concrete offer.”
Everton need a right-back but will have to make a firm move if they want the Atletico star having missed out on former prime target, PSV skipper Denzel Dumfries.
Right move?
Arias wants to leave the Spanish giants having spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, and the Toffees should be looking to swoop.
Dumfries picked Inter Milan over us after attracting a lot of clubs with his brilliant European Championship campaign, and we have to quickly move on and get in another quality option.
Arias is unable to get playing time at Atletico due to the brilliance of Kieran Trippier, but he would fancy his chances of giving Seamus Coleman a run for his money at Goodison Park.
The South American will be 30 next January, and it appears Everton are having cold feet over making a move.
His recent statistics have not been impressive too, but there is a player somewhere there in him.
Arias has a goal and two assists in 39 league games for Diego Simeone’s side but was impressive while at PSV, scoring 10 goals and weighing in with 14 assists in five seasons.
Coleman featured against Southampton yesterday but we cannot afford to rely solely on the 32-year-old for the entirety of the campaign.
Arias would be an affordable signing, and he could prove to be a bargain under a manager like Rafa Benitez.
In other Everton news, this is how Toffees fans reacted when Benitez’s name was announced v Southampton.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.