Ahead of Brazil vs England, a look at ten Brazilian Premier League targets.
10. Marquinhos (Roma)
This highly talented 19-year-old has had an excellent first season in Serie A with Roma, having arrived from Corinthians last summer. His mature displays at the back have made him undisputed first choice in central defence, and have already attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. He has not yet won a cap for the senior Brazilian national team, but it surely won’t be long now for this excellent young player.
9. Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich)
It says a lot about the strength of Bayern Munich’s squad that a talented midfielder like Luiz Gustavo often can’t get into the team, despite often being part of Brazil’s squad. This 25-year-old defensive midfielder could be heading to England in search of first team football, with Arsenal said to be showing a strong interest.
8. Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
Arsenal could also be chasing Atletico Madrid’s Brazilian striker Diego Costa, who had an impressive season alongside Radamel Falcao this year, scoring 20 goals. His performances in La Liga have earned him two recent call-ups to the Brazilian national team, and a move to England could soon be on the cards, as this tall and physical forward looks made for Premier League football.
7. Willian (Anzhi Makhachkala)
This talented Brazilian forward was being eyed up strongly by Chelsea after he impressed against them in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk this season. However, the 24-year-old made a big-money move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in January for £29million. Despite his talent, Willian only has two caps for Brazil and was hoping a move would increase his chances of a call-up to the national team. This has not so far proved to be the case and he could be tempted to move again this summer to join a Premier League club, and he certainly won’t be short of suitors, with both Arsenal and Manchester City also watching him in the past.
6. Dani Alves (Barcelona)
In a somewhat surprising move, Dani Alves could be a target for Arsenal this summer. The skillful attacking right-back plays with typical Brazilian flair and would be a useful addition to the Arsenal team if they lose Bacary Sagna. The 30-year-old was linked with both the Gunners and Liverpool in his Sevilla days, and later Manchester City while at Barcelona, and may now finally get the chance to move to England after falling somewhat out of favour at the Nou Camp. Although somewhat past his best and inconsistent, it would be exciting to see this Samba star strutting his stuff in the Premier League next season.
5. Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers)
Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar has already spent a season in the Premier League with Queens Park Rangers, but his future remains unclear after their relegation to the Championship. The Brazilian shot-stopper was one of Rangers’ bright sparks in a dismal campaign at Loftus Road, and is reportedly being lined up by Arsenal to replace Wojciech Szczesny in goal. The 33-year-old would be an excellent addition for the Gunners and it would be good to see him stay in England, a move he may favour to re-estbalish himself as first choice for the national team, though he also has offers from several Brazilian club sides.
4. Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Another player who really caught the eye in the Champions League with Shakhtar Donetsk this season is Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho. The 28-year-old is certainly one of Brazil’s best midfielders at the moment, but only has five caps due to playing in Ukraine. Manchester City are keen to sign him this summer, and he has welcomed their interest, saying he hopes Shakhtar will lower their asking price for him, as he is desperate to put himself in contention for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad next summer. Aside from that, he would certainly be an upgrade on City’s current midfield pairing of Gareth Barry and Javi Garcia, and help Manuel Pellegrini’s side in their bid to win back the Premier League title next season.
3. Hernanes (Lazio)
Another option for Manchester City is Fernandinho’s more high-profile fellow countryman Hernanes, who plays for Lazio and is a more regular feature in the Brazilian national side. The Lazio star has emerged as one of the best midfielders in Serie A over the last few years, and no player in Europe scored more goals from outside the box than him this season. A slightly more attack-minded player than Fernandinho, the two Brazilians would be an excellent combination if City choose to sign them both this summer, bringing a real Samba flavour to their team next season. Hernanes has welcomed City’s interest, and seems likely to move to England in the upcoming transfer window, as Arsenal and Tottenham both showed a strong interest in him last summer, and could look at him again.
2. Leandro Damiao (Internacional)
Tottenham are leading the chase to bring this talented Brazilian striker to the Premier League. Leandro Damiao has been a big success at Brazilian side Internacional for the last four seasons, scoring 82 goals in 147 appearances for the club, and earning regular call-ups to the Brazilian national team. The 23-year-old surely has a big future in the game and will be worth his big asking price of around £30million, as Spurs are in desperate need of more quality upfront, something he would certainly provide.
1. Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg)
Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham are all expected to make approaches for one of Brazil’s biggest names this summer, Hulk. The former Porto star is unhappy at Zenit St Petersburg and wants a move to the Premier League. With great strength and skill on the ball, as well as a thunderous shot with his left foot, he is one of the most exciting players in the world to watch and would be a great addition to English football. He will cost big money after joining Zenit for close to £35million, which may put him out of Spurs’ reach, though Chelsea and City would certainly benefit from his arrival.