Manchester City have a colourful history with South American players.
Robinho, Elano and even the “Invisible Man” Gláuber Berti have etched their names into City folklore in the last decade, providing the sky blue faithful with some of their most idiosyncratic memories and chants.
Manchester City’s South American contingent currently includes Sergio Agüero, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Fernandinho, Fernando and Willy Caballero. The first four of those names, unarguably established fan favourites at the Etihad Stadium, will make an early return back to the pitch this summer at the Copa America in Chile where an ample portion of City scouts are set to be stationed in pursuit of exciting recruits for the 2015/2016 season.
Here are three players that Manchester City fans should keep their eyes on between June 11th and July 4th.
Roberto Firmino (Brazil)
Age: 23
Club: Hoffenheim
2014/2015 league goals/assists: 7/10
With Samir Nasri likely to call time on his four-year stay at the Etihad Stadium this summer, City will need to bring in an imaginative attacking midfielder, capable of creating chances and scoring goals.
Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino has done both this season, netting seven goals and creating 69 chances in 33 league appearances for the German side. The 23-year-old, who prefers a free role just behind the striker, is known for his skill on the ball, but it is his versatility that may entice Manuel Pellegrini even more. Firmino has experience playing on both flanks, something only the departing James Milner can currently boast in City’s squad, and with David Silva unlikely to be sacrificed in the central role, Firmino may find himself operating in wider positions should he make a move to Manchester this summer.
The Daily Star and the Daily Mirror claim the Blues are leading the race for the Brazilian and an £18m bid may be enough to prise him away from the Rhein-Neckar Arena.
Arturo Vidal (Chile)
Age: 28
Club: Juventus
2014/2015 league goals/assists: 7/4
Paul Pogba’s hype has cruelly cast the efforts of fellow Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal into the shadows this season. The 28-year-old came close to a £55m switch to Manchester United last summer but opted to stay at Juventus.
It was a wise choice. Juventus have gone on to claim their fourth consecutive Scudetto and the Coppa Italia this term, and a Champions League final tie against Barcelona still awaits them. The Chilean’s contributions to his side’s incredible season should not be overlooked. From a holding role, Vidal has created 37 chances, scored seven goals and has won 45% of his tackles to help Juventus dominate Serie A.
Although the midfielder has not been explicitly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, rumours suggesting he could be on the move have emerged once again. Reports claim City are in the market for a midfielder and the Chilean could be the perfect signing.
Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina)
Age: 27
Club: Napoli
2014/2015 league goals/assists: 18/8
It could be a big summer of change for Napoli.
A fierce argument reportedly erupted in the Napoli dressing room following their 3-1 defeat to Juventus two weeks ago which left them requiring a win on the last day of the campaign against 3rd place Lazio to secure Champions League football. Higuain was substituted at half time despite showing no signs of injury, and Benitez’s purely technical decision enraged both the player and his chairman, Aurelio De Laurentiis. Napoli lost 4-2 – a damning blow to the club’s hopes of holding onto their top players this summer.
Higuain remains one of the most prolific strikers in Europe despite trading almost guaranteed success at Real Madrid for much tougher pastures at the Stadio San Paolo, but the Argentine is unlikely to settle for Europa League football next term.
City are long term admirers of the 27-year-old and reports in Italy suggest the Blues could move for the unsettled striker should either Edin Džeko or Stevan Jovetić leave at the end of the season.
