These South American talents who are strutting their stuff at the 2014 FIFA World Cup could all be heading to the Premier League this summer.
With the 2014 FIFA World Cup being held in Brazil, it is unsurprising that South American plays and teams have dominated the tournament so far, with the hosts, Argentina, Chile and Colombia all impressing so far and Uruguay and Ecuador both still harbouring hopes of qualification from their groups. Every World Cup seems to start a scramble to snap up its most impressive players and 2014 should be no different, with these seven South American stars already rumoured to be attracting the attentions of Premier League clubs.
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1) David Ospina (Colombia)
Colombian first choice goalkeeper has been linked with Arsenal this summer, and his displays so far for a team who have won both of their games at the tournament will have done nothing to dissuade Arsene Wenger from pursuing the OGC Nice stopper.
Ospina has impressed with his performances in Ligue 1 for a prolonged spell on the French Riviera and he looks set to make a significant step up this summer.
2) Mauricio Isla (Chile)
Chilean right wing back Mauricio Isla is key to Jorge Samapoli’s exciting three-at-the-back system that has won hearts and minds across the globe after his team dismantled world champions Spain and sent them packing after just two games.
The Juventus man rarely gets a start for his club side, finding himself stuck behind Swiss international Stephen Lichtsteiner in the pecking order, meaning that a mooted transfer to either Arsenal or Liverpool could be on the cards.
3) Marcos Rojo (Argentina)
Argentina full back Marcos Rojo impressed with his marauding display on the left hand side in their opening World Cup victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina, meaning that Brendan Rodgers may be even more convinced by the Sporting Lisbon man as a potential alternative to Spaniard ALberto Moreno whose move from Sevilla has stalled in recent weeks.
Much more adept at attacking the opposition goal than defending his own, Rojo has garnered enough of a reputation in Portugal to make it seem certain that he will be moving to a bigger league this summer.
4) Juan Cuadrado (Colombia)
Colombia have been one of the most entertaining teams at the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far, with their fast, attacking displays against Greece and the Ivory Coast really catching the eye. Key to their success is Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, whose raids from the right flank have made him one of the most sought after attacking players in Europe.
Fiorentina recently acquired the whole of the player from Serie A rivals Udinese, but with Liverpool and Arsenal, along with Barcelona, mentioned as potential suitors then it seems unlikely that Cuadrado will be at the Florence club long-term.
5) Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Chilean star Alexis Sanchez is the genuine world-class talent in their entertaining and hard-working side, but Barcelona look ready to let the winger go with Premier League sides starting to show their interest in the former Udinese man.
One of the quickest and most dangerous customers in world football, Sanchez would be a stunning signing for any club in England if they can persuade him to move to a new league this summer.
6) Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
Ecuadorian centre forward Enner Valencia has emerged as a surprise contender for the Golden Boot, with the Pachuca forward having scored all three of his country’s goals at the tournament so far.
Valencia also struck 18 goals in the Mexican league for his club last season, marking him out as a forward with a clear eye for goal and the potential to make the step up to a major European league. With his performances in Brazil in mind, it is no surprise that Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton all mentioned as potential destinations.
7)Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)
Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani was key to England’s World Cup downfall, with his inch-perfect pass to Luis Suarez allowing the Liverpool man to put his nation in front. It is as a goalscorer that Cavani truly excels, however, something which fuels his rumoured desire to leave Paris Saint Germain due to being shifted out of position to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a lone striker.
Manchester United have been mentioned as being interested, but Louis van Gaal would have to find a way to accommodate both Cavani and Robin van Persie.
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