Everton are interested in signing Atletico Madrid’s Santiago Arias, according to Antena2, as the Toffees look to find an ideal long-term solution to their right-back issues.
Djibril Sidibe and Seamus Coleman have rotated as Everton’s starting right-back this season, although neither have been able to particularly establish themselves as the clear candidate to be first choice.
Sidibe initially impressed following his loan move from Monaco, but with the Frenchman having provoked the ire of the Everton fan base with a string of underwhelming performances in recent months, his permanent transfer has been called into question.
With Coleman coming in for criticism on the international stage, Sidibe cutting an inconsistent figure for the Blues, and Jonjoe Kenny a permanent target of Schalke’s this summer, Everton may need to find their first-choice right-back for the new season.
Arias has fallen out of favour with Atletico, having slipped behind England international Kieran Trippier at the Wanda Metropolitano, while Carlo Ancelotti was said to be keen on signing the Colombian during his time with Napoli in 2018.
This has supposedly seen the Italian coach reignite his interest in the full-back, and the 28-year old could be the player that Everton need.
Described by WhoScored as a strong tackler and interceptor of the ball, Arias could offer some defensive solidity to Everton’s backline, and in the prime of his career at 28, he could prove to be a shrewd signing for the right price.
Sidibe has shown himself to be the most competent defender this season, although his offensive delivery is fantastic, while Coleman’s ageing body has crucially lost an element of speed which made him such a difficult player to play against for some time.
If Arias can improve on both of those areas alone, it could be worth Everton exploring a deal for the defender this summer.
