Everton are reportedly interested in the services of Atletico Madrid defender Santiago Arias.
Santiago Arias has expressed his desire to play more games for Atletico Madrid despite interest from Everton, who see him as a potential right-back candidate for the new Premier League campaign.
The Liverpool Echo have claimed that Everton are interested in Arias as they search for competition in the right-back area, with Jonjoe Kenny moving out on loan to Schalke this summer.
At this moment in time, Seamus Coleman is Everton's first choice right-back, but there is no serious backup for the Irishman and that would be needed ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Despite the interest in Arias, he recently stated that he wants to continue playing for Atletico, but after the Copa America is finished, the 52-cap Columbia international will see what happens.
"It's an honour to have played 33 matches this season with Atletico Madrid in Spain," Arias told Marca. "Obviously I want to play more, but we will go step by step. I want to play here in Copa America and give what I can.
"I am focused on the national team and on having a good Copa America tournament. Later we will see what will happen with Atletico Madrid. Now I have a contract with Atletico and I have to wait to see what the club says."
From Everton's point of view, Arias' comments are worrying because it is seemingly looking like he wants to fight for his future at Madrid.
There's no doubt that Everton need more cover at right-back, especially if they want to push for European football next season, which will be the club and Marco Silva's main target.
During the previous campaign, Silva, who was in first season in charge at Goodison Park, guided the club to a top-eight finish as they will be looking to go one better next term.
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