Napoli to make second bid for Atlético's Santiago Arias
Corriere dello Sport report that the Italians have not forgotten about the Atlético full-back who was close to joining them over the summer.
Napoli have not lost interest in Atlético de Madrid defender Santiago Arias. In today's edition of Corriere dello Sport it is claimed that Carlo Ancelotti will have a second stab at signing the Colombian right-back, who was close to moving to southern Italy over the summer before he joined Atlético. Napoli's concerns about whether they might exceed the permitted number of non-EU players delayed the operation and gave Atlético the chance to move in quickly and snap up the 26-year-old on a five-year deal from PSV Eindhoven.
Tough start
Arias has struggled to win a regular place under Simeone. Adpating to life in the Spanish capital and how things are done at Atleti took time then a cracked rib injury was another setback for the player. But now he's playing and his market value is rising. According to Corriere dello Sport the full-back is now valued at 20 million euros. Napoli are keen to strengthen both of their full-back positions and Arias is the man Ancelotti has on his wishlist for right-back.
Arias finally settling in at Atleti
Meanwhile at Atlético, coaching staff have high hopes for Arias, who is gradually getting to grips with what Simeone wants from him - especially regarding his defensive duties as his attacking qualities are not in any doubt. He's started the last three league games and as far as the club is concerned, they are not willing to let a player leave just a few months after he arrived.