EPL Transfer Rumors: 4 South Americans Who Could Join the EPL This Summer

Over the last couple decades, South America has birthed some of the best football players in the entire world.

While many have spent their careers playing in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A (Brazil), some of the region's elite players, including Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Kaká, have made the leap to the European game, infiltrating La Liga (Spain), Primera Liga (Portugal) and most recently the English Premier League.  

Stars like Carlos Tevez (Argentina), Luis Suarez (Uruguay) and Sandro (Brazil) made their respective marks in the competitive EPL during the 2010-11 and have continued to bridge the gap for many more South Americans to come.

Here's a look at four more South American footballers making the leap this summer:

Neymar (Santos)

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Neymar of Brazil is chased down by Barry Bannan of Scotland during the International friendly match between Brazil and Scotland at Emirates Stadium on March 27, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Nineteen-year-old Brazilian striker Neymar is well on his way to becoming the most expensive teenager in the English Premier League. After failing to poach him from Santos FC last summer, Roman Abramovich and his Chelsea squad look prepared to open the pocketbook this summer.

With a price tag ranging anywhere from £30 million to £41 million, Neymar is considered one of the most coveted properties this transfer window.

According to the Metro, Abramovich is prepared to pay just that for the player he has pegged as the future focal point of the Blues. The Brazilian starlet’s great field vision, speed and innovation draw numerous comparisons to fellow countryman Robinho and Argentine Lionel Messi.

He plays fast, instinctively and unpredictable, but in a good way. Despite his immaturity, as indicated by his common tendency to play for his fans, many believe he’ll be a great immediate addition to the starting 11.

Real Madrid is also in on the transfer discussions.  

Leandro Damiao (Internacional)

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Leandro Damiao of Brazil has his effort stopped by Allan McGregor of Scotland during the International friendly match between Brazil and Scotland at Emirates Stadium on March 27, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewit

Over the past couple months, 21-year-old Internacional marksman Leandro Damiao has been linked to countless European clubs most notably Tottenham Hotspur.

After a disappointing season by the Spurs strikers (just 17 goals from the position), manager Harry Redknapp is looking to reload at the top this summer, beginning with Damiao as his top target.

While he may be the less heralded prospect next to the teen sensation Neymar, Damiao could ostensibly be an even bigger immediate addition to an EPL team this summer.

Earlier this year, the Brazilian national led Internacional to the Campeonato Gaucho title while leading the league with 16 goals and even earned his first cap in March. He is neither the fastest nor even the most skilled man on the pitch, but he seems to do everything well and simply knows how to score, especially in the air.

With the dearth up top at White Hart Lane, he would certainly be a contributor right away.

Vying alongside the Spurs are Benfica, Roma, Barcelona and Arsenal, with the Spurs looking like the favorites. Their original £10.3 million offer was hastily rejected by the Brazilian squad who has asked for £17 million. According to sources, Tottenham’s bid currently sits at £13.8 million. 

Ricky Alvarez (Velez Sarsfield)

Attacking midfielder Ricardo “Ricky” Alvarez, 23, has been a name floating around Arsenal message boards and fan pages over the last couple days. Numerous sources including The Telegraph confirmed the pre-contract that was first announced in late May.

Like many youngsters who have come to the Gunners over the past couple years, the 6’2” Alvarez is unknown to most fans but is regarded as one of the top talents in South America.

A product of the Boca Juniors youth program, Alvarez’s flashy attacking style has drawn many comparisons (by overeager fans and writers) to fellow countryman Lionel Messi, and many believe he can contribute immediately.

He has the skill set to play across the entire midfield, although he is most strongly suited along the left wing or as an attacking midfielder.

His contract with Velez Sarsfield of the Argentine Primera Division ends this month, so Arsenal will land him for free.

Note: this excerpt was taken from my article on 5 Potential Arsenal transfers.

Radamel Falcao (FC Porto)

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DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 18: Radamel Falcao Garcia of FC Porto celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Final between FC Porto and SC Braga at Dublin Arena on May 18, 2011 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

After a laudable 2010-11 campaign in which he netted 38 goals over 42 games with FC Porto of the Primeira Liga (Portugal), 25-year-old Colombian hitman Radamel Falcao has expressed interest in making the leap to the EPL in the near future.

Whether that near future is this summer is still to be determined.

Clearly indicated by his numbers, Falcao is a natural goalscorer, possessing the ability to convert opportunities with either foot or his head. Undersized at 5’9”, Falcao plays with a fiery intensity and seems to do whatever is needed to put the ball in the net.

After bursting onto the scene this past season, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have become potential suitors for the Portuguese fan favorite. Both teams have expressed interest in meeting the £26 million price tag placed on him, however it is unclear whether FC Porto will entertain offers for their star player with the upcoming UEFA Champions League.