Having lost Kyle Walker to Manchester City for a fee of £50million, Tottenham have identified PSV Eindhoven’s 25-year-old right-back, Santiago Arias as a possible replacement, a report from ESPN has claimed.
The Colombia international has time and again been linked with a move to the Premier League with the likes of West Ham United, Liverpool and Swansea credited a potential interest in the past. Tottenham’s engagement in the pursuit certainly isn’t a surprise, given the fact that they are already short on numbers in their defensive unit, particularly on the right-hand side.
They did manage to tie down Kieran Trippier to a long-term deal, but his recent injury woe has forced Pochettino to dip into the market for a feasible depth, and Arias – without a slightest of a doubt, fits the bill. The Lilywhites sure have Kyle Walker-Peters, but with Champions League to play for, Poch will be looking to bring in an experienced ace.
Although Arias has two more years left on his current PSV deal, he has already expressed his desire to move abroad.
“In the summer I hope there is clarity as soon as possible,” Arias was quoted by Football Whispers. My agent knows I want to go to Germany, England or Spain and is working to make that happen.”
The 25-year-old won’t cost Tottenham too much, as reports claim that he is available for £13-15million, which is actually peanuts in today’s market. For many, Arias certainly is an unknown quantity, but he has been plying his trade in Europe’s elite competition for the past two seasons, with PSV.
Everything aside, it won’t be wrong to claim that Arias’ move will be a slight gamble given the fact that Eredivisie players have failed in adjusting to the rigours of Premier League, with Vincent Janssen and Memphis Depay being the prime specimen, while Daley Blind is an exception.
Arias, judging by how he has performed so far, ticks a lot of boxes. He isn’t an aggressive defender who will throw himself into a challenge. He is calm, composed and is a sharp passer of the ball. Averaging an 85% of passing accuracy last season, Arias created a total of 38 goal-scoring chances in 27 league appearances, compared to Walker’s 39 in 33 appearances.
The prospect of teaming up with his Colombian international teammate Davinson Sanchez, who has joined Tottenham for a potential club-record fee of £42million, could appeal to Arias.
Interesting choice Poch!
