The Argentine defender Nahuel Molina has been acquired by Atlético Madrid from Udinese, the Spanish club announced on Thursday. 

The 24-year-old Molina has agreed to sign a five-year contract, according to Atlético. The right-back will assist in filling the gap created by the departure of England's Kieran Trippier in the middle of the last campaign.

He helped Argentina win the Copa America last year, playing in five games before missing the final against Brazil.

Neither club disclosed the transfer cost.

Atlético has also signed midfielder Axel Witsel and winger Samuel Lino this summer as it tries to bounce back from finishing a distant third in Spain last season.

How Nahuel Molina fits in as the new right-back for Atlético Madrid 

The 24-year-old is Atlético's solution to a serious right side After passing a medical examination at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, a player arrives at Atlético Madrid with European experience and a capability to play both full-back positions,” the club’s statement read. “Molina is a steady player in defense who joins the attack very well. Proof of this is his ability to provide assists for his teammates. His strong set-piece delivery also helps his team, another of the qualities that makes Molina a very complete player.”

Atlético Madrid are set to announce the signing of Nahuel Molina imminently, with the 24-year-old Argentinian international providing a solution to a right-back problem dating back to Kieran Trippier’s departure in January.

The deal with Udinese, for a reported fee of up to €16 million plus Nehuén Pérez, was drawn out too long for Molina to join his new teammates for the first phase of pre-season. After arriving in Madrid on Monday, Molina will have to join his team-mates for the second phase of their pre-season regime, with friendlies now kicking off.

The pressure will be on Molina to perform, particularly given the failed signing of Valencia’s Daniel Wass in the winter transfer window and the departure of Šime Vrsaljko to Greek giants Olympiacos. But how will he fit in at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano?