Everton are on the hunt for a right-back this summer as a long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman. The Toffees have Djibril Sidibe on loan who they can sign permanently for £12.8m and they’ll have Jonjoe Kenny returning from a successful loan spell at Schalke 04.
It appears Everton have their sights set on another target too – Santiago Arias. The Blues have been linked with a move for the out-of-favour Atletico Madrid defender who could be available for sale after falling behind Kieran Trippier in the pecking order.
Everton have called Atlético Madrid to ask about right-back Santiago Arias. Blues were linked with him in past – he was signed by Marcel Brands at PSV – and are interested again because Carlo Ancelotti wanted him at Napoli.
— Sean Lunt (@Sean_Lunt) March 26, 2020
Would be a belter of a signing. Probably not true at the moment though
— Evertonianjamie (@JDGEFC) March 26, 2020
He is who we should of got instead of Sidibe
— Aide Dews (@AidyDews) March 26, 2020
Yes. Sign him. 100% a good Coleman replacement. Similar player football wise
— The Connoisseur (@_Jayohh_) March 26, 2020
Haven’t seen much of him but if they signed trippier to start ahead of him I don’t want him
— evertonblue (@evertonblue5) March 26, 2020
Trippier has been solid offensively, and Vrsaljko has returned to form but Arias was decent when he was filling in for them both so he needs game time. Could be a good move for Everton.
— Monica T (@MCascadia) March 26, 2020
Too old and no value. But hey! Nice to be linked. We can thank The Don and Moshiri for that. COYB. NSNO.
— Jeffrey hitchmough (@Jeffreyhitchmo1) March 26, 2020
We need a new rb, but I would rather us go for Vrsaljko tbh @elpivoteftbl
— Tom Fox (@TomFox87) March 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/C_Torres21/status/1243226035652608001?s=20
Arias joined Atleti from PSV Eindhoven in 2018 and has gone on to make 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and making three assists. The 28-year-old finds himself on the periphery at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium this season, having amassed less than 900 minutes of football across the board.
Before the campaign was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Arias had only made seven Liga appearances – only two of which came in 2020. He’s been an unused substitute for the majority of the season and hadn’t made the matchday squad since mid-February.
According to WhoScored, Arias has completed 79.7% of 236 attempted passes, created eight chances, won 11 aerial duels (73%), completed 66% of his dribbles, whipped in 13 crosses with 15% accuracy, blocked nine shots/crosses/passes, made six clearances and averaged a tackle (19) or interception (8) every 20 minutes.
Tripper is Diego Simeone’s first-choice at right-back, however, and has made 19 league appearances in his debut season. Arias may have to leave to get more playing time in 2020/21, so time will tell if Everton can capitalise on the situation.