Bayer Leverkusen sign Arias on loan from Atletico Madrid

Berlin, Sept 24, 2020 (AFP) - Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday signed Colombia defender Santiago Arias on loan for the rest of the season from Atletico Madrid with a buy option of around €12 million ($14 million).

Leverkusen, who will play in the Europa League this season, strengthened their squad by adding the 28-year-old right-back, who spent five years at PSV Eindhoven before joining Atletico in 2018.

"We have signed a very experienced player who can quickly get up to speed to help us," said sporting director Rudi Voeller.

"Given the high amount of games in the coming weeks, it was important for us to strengthen our team."

Having recently sold playmaker Kai Havertz to Chelsea and striker Kevin Volland to Monaco, Leverkusen also signed Czech centre-forward Patrik Schick from Roma earlier this month on a five-year contract.