5 players from the Copa America who could be targets in Europe this summer

While the Copa America has never been as popular as the World Cup or a European championship, the recently concluded tournament certainly proved to be an exciting few weeks of international football as the host nation Chile ended up winning their first ever international trophy, beating Argentina on penalties.We saw some old faces like Robinho again, new potential stars like Jeison Murillo and some big upsets as you’d expect. International tournaments are also a chance for managers to find the latest talent or potential new signings who have performed well and increased their transfer value and could strengthen their team.There was certainly plenty of that in this edition of the Copa. Several players stood up and made a name for themselves amid all the controversy and the stars, a few of the lesser known players took their opportunities to shine.We take a look at five players who impressed in the Copa America and could be destined for moves later this summer.

#1 David Ospina

If you follow the Premier League, you probably already know about the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Signed from Nice last summer following some impressive displays in the World Cup, Ospina started the season as a backup goalkeeper. However, with Wojciech Szczesny constantly making errors, Ospina was made the permanent first choice keeper in January and initally impressed.

Despite making fewer errors than the Polish international, Ospina still made errors nonetheless, particularly against Swansea City at home and against Monaco in the Champions League. His small frame didn’t help either as despite an overall solid debut season, the Colombian failed to consolidate his place in goal.

It shocked many as a result, to see Arsene Wenger pursue Petr Cech when he already had two able – but not world class – goalkeepers at his disposal. As the rumours of the Chelsea goalkeeper began to increase, many suspected Ospina to be the one leaving despite only joining last summer. This was because Szczesny was seen as the one with more potential and probably wouldn’t mind sitting on the bench.

When the Cech transfer was reportedly agreed, Ospina – who had already impressed in the Copa America, conceding just once in three games – decided to have the game of his life as Colombia faced Argentina in the quarterfinals. Denying the likes of Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi with near-impossible saves, nothing went past Ospina who probably had the best game of his career.

Colombia eventually lost to Argentina on penalties after a 0-0 draw but Ospina could go home with his head held high, only conceding a solitary goal in four games and posting the best saves to shots ratio in the tournament with 91%.

If he was leaving Arsenal before the tournament, the Gunners can now expect an even higher fee for the Colombian with clubs like Everton and Fenerbahce interested.

#2 Charles Aranguiz

Internacional made an astute move when they signed their on-loan star Charles Aranguiz permanently from Universidad de Chile just before the 2014 World Cup began. Arguably the best midfielder in the Chilean Primera División, Aranguiz went on to have a very successful World Cup with his national side as they reached the round of 16.

His transfer to the Brazilian club meant the top European clubs wouldn’t be able to land his signature for at least another season but as the 2014-2015 season came to a close, Aranguiz became linked with an number of clubs. And if clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille – who were reportedly close to sealing a deal – were interested in acquiring Aranguiz’s services before the Copa America, they’ll now have a bigger task on their hands after the midfielder helped his country win the competition.

The 26-year-old played all but just five minutes of Chile’s games as he ended the tournament with two goals and an assist in six games and also notably scored a penalty in the shootout final against Argentina.

A move to Europe now seems all but destined as Aranguiz has all the tools to succeed in a bigger league with his ability and the latest reports from Metro say that Chelsea have agreed a deal with the Chilean who is valued at £16.1million by Internacional.

However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the eventual fee is higher.

#3 Mauricio Isla

Having impressed for Udinese for a couple of seasons, the versatile Mauricio Isla joined Serie A champions Juventus in 2012 to provide the Bianconeri with added depth. However, things haven’t been the same since.

In his last season for Udinese, he suffered damaged knee ligaments which ended his season and to recover completely would take time, but it’s just not happened for him in Turin even when he did recover. Looking lethargic and undisciplined, a move to rivals Inter was potentially on the cards for Isla – such was his failure to impress.

It may have not been his fault though. Even when he was fit, he barely got any game time under Antonio Conte, having played just 589 minutes of football in 11 Serie A games during the 2012/2013 season so he never quite got going. The 2013/2014 season was more of the same until the 2014 World Cup arrived and like Aranguiz, Isla had a solid World Cup.

While it didn’t get him a permanent move away from Juventus, he did eventually sign for QPR on a season long loan. But again, despite decent performances here and there, Isla never truly impressed for QPR as the London side ended up getting relegated for the second time in three years.

But like he did in the World Cup, Isla performed well, showing bundles of energy and pace and playing like his previous Udinese self as Chile went on to win the tournament. Having played every minute of the campaign, Isla even scored the late winner against Uruguay that saw Chile through to the semifinals.

It seems like Isla just performs better for his national team but he is still worth a punt for many top clubs as Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Sevilla as Juventus are reportedly looking for a fee of around €10 million.

#4 Eduardo Vargas

Another player who just simply performs better at international level rather than club level, Eduardo Vargas naturally had a tournament to remember.

Having not started the opening game against Ecuador, the Napoli man came on as sub and scored, starting the rest of Chile’s games for the remainder of the tournament. Vargas went on to score in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Mexico and a brace in the semifinals against Peru, including a sublime effort from quite some distance.

He ended the tournament as the top scorer alongside Paolo Guerrero with four goals but it wasn’t just his goals that caught the eye but how much of a threat he was in general, taking on players and attempting ambitious shots.

It’s a wonder why he hasn’t looked the same player at Napoli and during loans at Valencia and QPR especially when you consider how excited Napoli president, Aurelio de Laurentiis was to acquire him back in 2011.

With just three goals in 21 league games for QPR this past season, the 25-year-old couldn’t prevent the R’s from getting relegated and is back at Napoli, but with two years remaining in his contract, one can’t see Vargas continuing to be loaned out for the next two years. It doesn’t look like Napoli will pursue with him either (he still hasn’t started a league game for them) so a move away from Italy could be on the cards.

Arsenal have been a reported destination for the Chilean, where he could link up with fellow compatriot Alexis Sanchez for a fee of £11.3 million. Other clubs that have been interested are Sporting CP while Al Ain are also looking to sign the Napoli man. Whatever happens, Vargas needs to find a permanent club and get regular playing time if he is to fulfil his potential at club level, or at the very least, convince Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli to manage a team in Europe and sign him from Napoli as he always seems to play better under his wing.

#5 Miler Bolanos

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder started the Copa America in the worst possible way by giving away a second half penalty as Ecuador lost their opening game to hosts Chile 2-0. Things got even worse in the second game against Bolivia as Ecuador had a penalty ruled out because he entered the box too soon.

Bolanos would redeem himself that game by unleashing a screamer of a goal but he couldn’t prevent Ecuador from losing 3-2. However, his true performances finally arrived if a bit too late. In the final group stage game against Mexico, Bolanos scored and set up a goal as his side went on to win 2-1 but it wasn’t enough to take them to the quarterfinals.

It wasn’t the first time the Emelec midfielder has impressed – his 19 goals helped his club side retain the Ecuadorian Serie A while he also scored six goals in eight games in the 2015 Copa Libertadores and as of now, is the third highest scorer in the competition.

And so, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him make the move up to Europe’s big leagues with the likes of Napoli, Udinese, Granada, Swansea City and West Ham (where he could join Enner Valencia) all interested in the Ecuadorian’s signature. His market value as of now is €3 million but Emelec can expect to get a bit more thanks to his recent performances.