This summer’s Copa America tournament kicked off last week, which features some of Europe’s finest talent, including Brazil’s Neymar, Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez.
Not only will some of the world’s greatest players at present be out to impress, but a number of players who have been linked with blockbuster summer transfers will be looking to catch the eye of rumoured suitors.
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Have a read below of the 10 Copa America stars who CaughtOffside thinks could be the subject of the most exciting transfers in the coming months…
Douglas Costa – Brazil and Shaktar Donetsk
The attacking midfielder was linked to Chelsea throughout the 2014-15 campaign and speculation has not subsided as the opening of the summer transfer window approaches.
The Daily Mail reported that Costa is open in his affection for Jose Mourinho and the Premier League champions, and despite Liverpool’s late attempts at enticing the 24-year-old to Anfield [via the Metro], the Blues are the clear favourites for his signature.
Watch the moment he opened his account in Brazil’s opening Copa America clash versus Peru:
Arturo Vidal – Chile and Juventus
Arsenal have been heavily linked to the Chilean midfielder, and Arsene Wenger recently confirmed his interest in the Juve ace [via talkSPORT], who could cost £40m. Manchester United were also rumoured to be considering a bid, but the Gunners look to be leading the chase [via the Express].
Vidal would combine with international team-mate Alexis Sanchez at the Emirates if the Premier League giants seal a deal.
Gonzalo Higuain – Argentina and Napoli
Napoli failed to quality for next season’s Champions League, and Higuain is desperate to be competing among Europe’s elite.
The former Santiago Bernabeu striker could be on his way to the Premier League if reports prove correct. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are, according to talkSPORT, set to go head-to-head in the summer window, but the trio are yet to meet Napoli’s price-tag of £36m.
Roberto Firmino – Brazil and Hoffenheim
On Monday morning, in quotes from Goal.com, the attacking midfielder’s agent confidently stated that his client would be moving to England in the summer. Manchester United have been linked to his name, while Liverpool are also rumoured to be interested; with Brendan Rodgers viewing the 23-year-old as a replacement to wantaway winger Raheem Sterling.
Angel Di Maria – Argentina and Manchester United
The former Real Madrid winger’s confidence is likely to have taken a significant hit following an underwhelming debut campaign at Old Trafford. Such is his rumoured unhappiness in Louis van Gaal’s side, that the 27-year-old could make a swift exit in the summer.
Shock reports at the weekend [via the Express] claimed that the Red Devils’ neighbours Manchester City were considering a bid. Di Maria, however, if he does choose to leave the Theatre of Dreams, favours a move away from England’s top flight – and Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all keen on his signature.
Nicolas Otamendi – Argentina and Valencia
The central defender is almost certain to leave the Estadio de Mestalla in the summer after quotes from his agent revealed his client’s desire to progress his career away from the La Liga outfit [via Sky Sports].
Manchester United are the favourites to land his signature, and latest reports from the Mirror claimed that a verbal agreement for Otamendia to make the transfer to Old Trafford has been reached – and a deal is close to being confirmed.
Sergio Aguero – Argentina and Manchester City
The striker won last season’s Premier League Golden Boot – scoring 26 goals – and Spanish giants Real Madrid are rumoured to want the Etihad goalscoring talisman to lead their attack at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 2015-16 campaign.
According to the Mirror, the Argentine forward’s form has caught the eye of Los Blancos president Florentino Perez and the club could make a bid.
Carlos Bacca – Colombia and Sevilla
The Colombian forward netted 29 goals in all competitions last season – and his form in front of goal has caught the eye of a number of clubs across Europe.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all reportedly expressed interest in the 28-year-old’s signature; however, according to his agent, Bacca is eyeing a move to Serie A outfit AS Roma [via the Express].
Jackson Martinez – Colombia and FC Porto
The Colombian striker’s 28 goals – including seven in the Champions League – could have persuaded Arsene Wenger into tabling an offer in the summer window.
The 28-year-old has long been linked with a transfer to Arsenal; however, the player himself recently suggested that AC Milan have leapfrogged the Gunners in the chase for his signature. Martinez also revealed that a decision is set to be made on his future within the next few days [via the Express].
Radamel Falcao – Colombia and AS Monaco
The Colombian striker endured a dismal season at Old Trafford but, if reports prove true, the 29-year-old is keen to remain in the Premier League and silence his critics.
Claims over the weekend [via the Sunday Times] stated that the former Manchester United striker had agreed personal terms with Chelsea, and the club are currently assessing whether they would prefer to sign Falcao on a permanent or loan basis.
