The Copa America 2024 is just around the corner, and all eyes, including those from Chelsea, will be on the 16 teams battling it out for ultimate glory.
With several elite young talents in action across June and July, clubs across the world will have their eyes peeled as they prepare for an eventful summer transfer window. Chelsea will be no different, especially considering their recent history in the South American market.
Impressive performances throughout the tournament could be rewarded with big moves, and top clubs across the world will want to snap up the top performers in the coming months. Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at five players Chelsea should be keeping close tabs on.
The Blues need to improve their squad immensely during the summer transfer window if they are serious about challenging for major trophies. They have had two mediocre campaigns, and a club of their stature should be competing at the highest level.
Although they have the bones of a very good squad, they need to plug some of the gaps in their squad in order to truly compete with Arsenal and Manchester City. Chelsea have been busy in the market for South American prospects in the last two years. And we list five players who they should scout in the coming weeks.
Dario Osorio
The 20-year-old winger from Chile is certainly one of the most exciting talents to watch out for in Copa America 2024. He has had an impressive campaign with FC Midtjylland this past season, scoring nine goals and picking up two assists.
The right-sided winger could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Chelsea as they look to add more cutting edge and depth in the final thought. Players like Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have failed to live up to the expectations, and Chelsea need more depth in the wide areas.
Osorio will add goals and creativity to the side. His ability to take on defenders and beat them in one versus one situations will add some much-needed unpredictability to the Chelsea attack. The opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in England will be attractive for the young winner as well.
Piero Hincapie
The 22-year-old Ecuador international has had an impressive campaign with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this past season, and he helped them win the league title. He has been on the radar of multiple English clubs, including Liverpool.
Chelsea should also look to get a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back. He is capable of operating as a left-sided central defender as well as a left-back. Hincapie could prove to be an upgrade on Marc Cucurella if he is deployed as a full-back or he could replace Thiago Silva in the Chelsea backline. The youngster has proven himself to be a reliable defender, and his distribution skills would add a new dimension to the Chelsea play.
Willian Pacho
Another Ecuadorian defender who has excelled in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt this past season. The 22-year-old has the physicality and technical attributes to do well in the Premier League, and he would certainly improve Chelsea defensively.
The Blues looked quite vulnerable at the back of this past season, and they will have to tighten up defensively if they are serious about challenging for domestic trophies and getting back into the Champions League. Pacho could fill the void left by Thiago Silva, and he could form a quality partnership with the likes of Levi Colwill in the long term.
Pacho has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal as well. So, Chelsea will face stiff competition for the young defender if they identify him as a top target.
Julio Enciso
The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is certainly one of the most talented young players in the Premier League right now, and he will look to make his mark in Copa America 2024 with Paraguay.
The 20-year-old is capable of operating in the wide areas as well as a central attacking midfielder. Chelsea are lacking in craft when it comes to the central areas, and he will help them carve out goalscoring opportunities.
His ability to link up with his teammates and operate in the tight spaces will offer more penetration for Chelsea in the final third. The Blues have struggled to break down deep defence is at times and the Brighton midfielder could prove to be the ideal acquisition for them. He has been linked with Manchester City in the past.
Jonathan David
The 24-year-old Canadian international is coming into the Copa America on the back of an impressive league campaign with LOSC Lille. He has 26 goals in all competitions and nine assists as well. He is certainly one of the most prolific goalscorers in Ligue 1, and he has the quality to thrive in English football as well.
Chelsea are in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer, and the Canadian international transform them in the attack. David has been linked with the move to the Premier League for years, and it remains to be seen whether he can secure a move to Stamford Bridge in the near future. London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are also keen on signing him.
Chelsea must sign a goalscorer if they want to win trophies next season. Nicolas Jackson was quite underwhelming last season, and they cannot expect Cole Palmer to keep scoring goals for them consistently and bail them out in the attack. The England international needs more support, and David would be the ideal partner for him in the attack.
Chelsea have switched managers after a disappointing campaign, and they have brought in the former Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca. However, they will need to plug the weaknesses in their squad as well, and it remains to be seen whether they can bring in the right reinforcements over the next few weeks and make their way back to the top of English football once again.
