According to reports, Swansea City still retain their interest in PSV Eindhoven full-back Santiago Arias as manager Paul Clement aims to get in defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes tonight. The Colombian international has been a long-term target for the Swans with links disrupted owing to lack of interest from PSV, but it seems that the South Wales club could make one last move for the 25-year-old.
The South Wales club have had a mixed start to the campaign following an underwhelming transfer window, which saw them getting in only four players and letting star midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson move to Everton. In Tammy Abraham, Sam Clucas, Roque Mesa and Erwin Mulder, though Clement cannot boast of any major signings this summer but has surely got some utility options.
Defence remains a grave concern for Clement even now. Although his side conceded just four goals in three games, those four goals came in a single game against Manchester United. Despite not having a decent enough team on paper to fight the top sides, Clement would expect his side to defend coherently against them and someone like Arias could really bring that to Liberty Stadium.
With the likes of Kyle Naughton and Rangel as the only two natural right backs in the side, Arias would definitely not have much problems breaking into the first team. Arias has been quite impressive for PSV Eindhoven since moving from Sporting CP back in 2013 and Premier League contenders Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in him.
Although a fee has far from being finalized, PSV have reportedly asked something the region of £12 million while Swansea aren’t willing to exceed £7 million. No bid is tabled yet but we expect one attempt by the South Wales club.
However, the player has already left for South America for his international duty and a move for him now could be complicated. He is in the squad to face Venezuela and Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers and is unlikely to make any contact with the Swansea in the next few hours.
Arias will be known for his disciplined, no nonsense displays that have slowly made him an established player for PSV. He has seven goals and 15 assists for the Eredivisie side in 141 games with earlier reports also claiming that Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen were keeping tabs on him.
Swansea have reportedly kept a backup option in Barnsley’s Andy Yiadom for that role but his fitness remains an issue owing to which his previous move to Huddersfield Town broke down.
