Despite all the reports surrounding Santiago Arias and a proposed move from Atletico Madrid to Everton, there’s a good chance that it won’t happen with Ancelotti sticking to Jonjoe Kenny.
There have been trustable sources confirming Everton’s interest in Atletico Madrid right back Santiago Arias. Journalist Nicolo Schira claimed that Everton have opened the talks with Atletico Madrid over a transfer. It is true that the Toffees are in the chase for Arias but I have a feeling that a transfer won’t happen.
Even though most of the Evertonians will be fuming by the time they read the above sentence, I have my reasons to support my argument. The reason is not a financial one, even though £65 million have already been spent.
Carlo Ancelotti’s confidence in Jonjoe Kenny is the reason why Santiago Arias to Everton may not happen. From time to time, the Italian has spoken highly of Kenny and has backed him in front of media. There are rumours of Jonjoe Kenny being sold but with the level of confidence Ancelotti has in the Englishman really sends out a message.
In early April, Liverpool Echo reported that Everton were not interested in selling the right back as he was part of Ancelotti’s plans in the upcoming season. In Thursday’s Press conference, Ancelotti was quizzed on the full backs Jonjoe Kenny and Neils Nkounkou to which he replied:
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"Nkounkou is really young, he has no experience at this level, but he’s shown good quality. He has a fantastic physical quality. Jonjoe is different, he knows the club, he’s a player I have a lot of confidence in. I’m happy with both of them. (via Liverpool Echo reporter Adam Jones)"
The attack minded right back spent the last season on loan at Schalke and caught the headlines for his overall development. Kenny excelled in all departments, polishing his defensive game and further enhancing his offensive game.
Seamus Coleman doesn’t have much juice left in his legs and will find it difficult to keep Kenny below him in the pecking order. Perhaps, a smooth transition will take place with Seamus Coleman taking a secondary role.
Jonjoe Kenny looked sharped and someone who wants to prove a point to his doubters in the pre-season games, there’s a high probability he’ll start ahead of Seamus Coleman in the game against Tottenham Hotspur. If Jonjoe Kenny is able to prove his doubters wrong by racking up excellent performances, Everton will definitely forget the thoughts of Santiago Arias.
However, the overall air surrounding Kenny makes me believe that a transfer for Santiago Arias won’t happen and the academy graduate Englishman is set to be handed an important role.