Fabrizio Romano: Everton were never close to signing €15 million player
Transfer Guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Atletico Madrid right back Santiago Arias will move to Bayer Leverkusen and Everton were never close to signing the 28 year old.
Everton have been extensively linked to Atletico Madrid right back Santiago Arias. The Toffees have been hunting a new right back in the transfer market and a number of names have been linked. It started with Max Aarons, then Kenny Tete, then Diogo Dalot and Santiago Arias. The Colombian right back is moving to Bayer Leverkusen.
A couple of days ago, The Boot Room reported that Atletico Madrid chief admitted that the Spanish side was in talks with the Toffees, Roma and PSG. Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reported that Bayer Leverkusen and Everton have tabled offers of around €15 million which is being considered by Atletico.
However, the latest report from trustable Transfer journalist and expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Bayer Leverkusen has won the race to sign the 28 year old Colombian. The Germans have secured a loan deal with an obligation to buy with Santiago Arias signing a contract till June 2025. More surprisingly, Romano also stated that the Toffees were never close to agreeing to a deal for the right back.
More from Prince Rupert's Tower
- Everton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeat
- Further chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 Partners
- Everton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on Sunday
- More madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 Partners
- Everton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions
The Royal Blues is still in the market looking for options. If there is someone who has attracted more interest after Santiago Arias is Diogo Dalot of Manchester United. The Portuguese is out of favour at Old Trafford with the Red Devils wanting to offload the 21 year old right back.
Alessandro Florenzi was also mentioned but the Italian moved to PSG. However, it won’t come as a surprise if the Blues stick with Jonjoe Kenny. Signing a centre back is a priority right now. Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite are injured leaving Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as the only available centre backs.
If Everton are to have a fruitful season they will need to preserve their first team and make sure they have enough depth in every position. In the right back position, Carlo Ancelotti has experienced Seamus Coleman and youthful Jonjoe Kenny.
Next. Everton predicted XI vs. Fleetwood Town. dark
A right back should only be signed if Jonjoe Kenny is sold or sent out on loan again. Carlo Ancelotti has always been confident on Kenny and his abilities. The Englishman will get chances under Ancelotti to prove that he has the talent and skills to succeed at Goodison.