Chelsea Transfer Rumors: 10 Realistic South American Targets

It’s no secret that André Villas-Boas wants Hulk but Porto are holding out for £83 million. There are only two players in the world worth that amount and Hulk isn't one of them.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Willian is another Villas-Boas target but the Brazilian cost Shakhtar £12.3 million, so Chelsea would have to pay an estimated £20-30 million—which shouldn't happen. 

Why didn't Chelsea buy Hulk when he was at Tokyo Verdy? Why didn't Chelsea buy Willian when he was at Corinthians?

Chelsea don’t need to pay such a premium for South American footballers when there are so many viable alternatives. 

This article will list 10 realistic European based South American targets for Villas-Boas.

Catania: Alejandro Gómez

Age	23
Nationality	Argentine
Position	Deep lying forward/wide forward

Raw is the most accurate word to describe Alejandro Gómez. 

His statistics are below par but he has shown flashes of brilliance from time to time. He's a short nippy forward who can create something out of nothing. 

Chelsea need incisive players like Gómez. If you've never seen Gómez, think Pablo Piatti and Sebastian Giovinco. 

By the way, guess how many Argentinians Catania have in their squad? 

11.

Borussia Mönchengladbach: Juan Arango

Age	31
Nationality	Venezuelan
Position	Left attacking midfielder

Arango works hard in defence, wins 64 percent of aerial duels, is a set piece specialist and consistently conjures up magic.

Yet, many noticed Marco Reus but haven't given Arango the same recognition, even though he's just as important to Borussia Mönchengladbach as Reus. 

Ideally, André Villas-Boas can move Juan Mata centrally and play Arango on the left. 

Juventus: Marcelo Estigarribia (on Loan from Deportivo Maldonado)

Age	24
Nationality	Paraguayan
Position	Left winger

It was odd seeing Marcelo Estigarribia start as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation, but it seems that's the only position he'll play. 

The problem for Estigarribia is that Antonio Conte has only used the 3-5-2 twice. 

One can only assume Juventus will not sign Estigarribia permanently, and that is when Chelsea should take advantage.

This is especially true because Deportivo Maldonado is just a proxy club, so they're looking to sell the Paraguayan. 

Estigarribia can beat defenders off the dribble, and according to Conte, is sufficiently strong as a defender to be trusted in a 3-5-2. Because of this, Chelsea could use Estigarribia as an impact sub. 

Granada: Guilherme Siqueira

Age	25
Nationality	Brazilian
Position	Left-back

Throughout Guilherme Siqueira's career, he's been on the books of Inter Milan, Lazio and Udinese, so the pedigree is there. 

For whatever reason, he never made it at those aforementioned clubs, but is now playing well for Granada. 

He's technically solid, a good dribbler, averages 3.4 interceptions per game and would push Ashley Cole to play better. 

What about Ryan Bertrand? 

When André Villas-Boas left Bertrand out of the UEFA Champions League squad, it showed that Bertrand will not be given a chance under Villas-Boas.  

Mallorca: Chori Castro

Age	27
Nationality	Uruguayan
Position	Left attacking midfielder

Chori Castro will only cost €18,000. Yes, you read correctly: €18,000. 

Marca reported that cash-strapped Mallorca had accidentally inserted an €18,000 release clause. 

Of course, no professional club would activate the release clause and deal such a low blow to one of Europe's most financially stricken club.

With Castro's contract ending in several months, a £500,000 bid for the Uruguayan would be accepted. 

He's a serviceable footballer who has vision and would fit in with André Villas-Boas' attacking philosophy. 

Udinese: Pablo Armero

Age	25
Nationality	Colombian
Position	Left wing-back

Pablo Armero is one of the fastest footballers in the world. 

Francesco Guidolin has utilised Armero's speed to good effect by playing him as a wing-back where the Colombian rampages up and down the left flank. 

If Armero was to sign with Chelsea, he'd play as a left forward, as his blinding speed would drag players out of position therefore giving Fernando Torres more opportunities to score. 

André Villas-Boas needs to move Juan Mata behind Torres and play wide forwards who are going to provide width. 

Borussia Mönchengladbach: Dante

Age	28
Nationality	Brazilian
Position	Centre-back

If Gary Cahill is worth £7 million, then Dante is worth £35 million. 

Cahill has been one of the worst centre-backs in the league, yet Chelsea spent £7 million on someone who can't tackle. 

With the departure of Alex, signing Dante is a must. When he is given his opportunity, he will prosper. 

He can also play at left-back, so should Ashley Cole drastically lose form or go down with an injury, Dante would be able to step in.  

Hertha Berlin: Raffael

Age	26
Nationality	Brazilian
Position	Attacking midfielder

Signing someone like Raffael will add a more creative flair to Chelsea's stagnant and dull midfield. 

The logical solution is to move Juan Mata into the centre. However, André Villas-Boas is stubborn, so why not sign a creative midfielder like Raffael?

Hoffenheim: Roberto Firmino

Age	20
Nationality	Brazilian
Position	Attacking midfielder

There's a bit of Ronaldinho in Roberto Firmino. 

In a years time, I'm sure he'll become a YouTube sensation. I've witnessed some outrageous tricks from Firmino and I'm sure there's someone right now producing a HD video of the Brazilian's highlights at Hoffenheim. 

Firmino is a great dribbler who can thread the through ball. What is most impressive about him is that he works hard tracking back. In addition, he averages an amazing 2.6 tackles a game.

Bologna: Gastón Ramírez

Age	21
Nationality	Uruguayan
Position	Attacking midfielder

Several years ago, some French journalists began spreading the word that there was this Belgian kid called Eden Hazard who was the next big thing. 

He was playing for Lille, a club that aside from walking off the pitch against Manchester United, weren't relevant. 

Remember, Lille had yet to win Ligue 1, so there was initial skepticism of Hazard. 

Right now, Hazard is one of the best young footballers in the world and commands a minimum transfer fee of £30 million. 

You're probably thinking, "So what?"

Well, there's a kid called  Gastón Ramírez at Bologna who in a few years time could be in the same position as Hazard. 

Look past the fact that he plays for Bologna and go watch a few games for yourself. At 21, he is the best player at Bologna. When he is off his game, Bologna lose. 

Chelsea must submit a £10-15 million bid for him right now before it inflates to £30 million+, which it certainly will because he is something special. 

Please read 11 Weirdest EPL Transfers

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