Arsenal
The Influx Of South Americans In The Premier League: Manchester United, City, Arsenal & Leicester’s New Signings
The influx of South Americans in the Premier League: The new signings from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay
South American talent: Ulloa one of many stars from the continent shining in the Premier League
Even with the departure of Uruguayan superstar Luis Suarez, the Premier League has acquired some exceptional South American talent this summer, including Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa. Although La Liga boasts the likes of Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez, there have been several marquee signings that have had positive starts in the most competitive league in the world.
The influx was mainly due to South American teams excelling in this year’s World Cup in Brazil, with Argentina reaching the final and Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Uruguay all reaching the knockout stages. If your gut says that they will be successful this season, place your bets with Matchbook.
Argentina
Angel Di Maria – Manchester United
United’s club record signing was probably the most notable transfer in world football this summer alongside the big money transfer of James Rodriguez from Monaco to Real Madrid, not just because of the fee paid for the explosive forward, but because of Di Maria’s decision to miss out on Champion’s League football and make the switch to Old Trafford, turning down the chance to stay at Madrid or a move to PSG.
After an average performance on his debut at Burnley, Di Maria has put in some brilliant man of the match displays against QPR and Leicester, scoring two goals including a sublime lob against Leicester. The Argentinian winger has creating several chances for his teammates and been a constant menace when running at defenders. Man United will need him firing on a regular basis if they’re to regain Champions League football.
Leonardo Ulloa – Leicester City
Leicester’s club record signing has been on fire since his £8m move step up from Brighton in the Championship to the Premier League, scoring five goals in five appearances, only putting him behind Diego Costa with seven goals as top scorer in the Premier League. Ulloa’s work rate, physical prowess and aerial ability has helped Leicester make a great start back in the Premier League, scoring important goals against Man United, Arsenal, Everton and Stoke. If the 28-year-old continues his goalscoring form this season, I’m sure it won’t be long before he receives his first international call-up for Argentina. Bargain of the season so far.
Esteban Cambiasso – Leicester City
The veteran midfielder made a surprise switch to Leicester City after spending 10 years Inter Milan.
At the age of 34, Cambiasso has proved his quality and experience in the middle, scoring his first goal and bossing the centre of midfield until he was substituted in a 5-3 win against Manchester United. His experience at the top level will be invaluable for Leicester City this season.
Brazil
Diego Costa – Chelsea
Although Diego Costa plays for Spain at international level after being granted Spanish nationality, his Brazilian flare and athleticism is clear to see. Costa has made a phenomenal start to his Chelsea career and is currently the top scorer in the Premier League after netting seven times in five matches and breaking the record for most goals in his first four Premier League games, surpassing Sergio Aguero and Mickey Quinn with six.
He will be hoping injury doesn’t affect what could be a great season for the Chelsea forward.
Fernando – Manchester City
Similar to fellow Brazilian and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, Fernando has gone under the radar as a successful signing for the Premier league holders. The defensive midfielder is a composed and physical player that has looked comfortable sitting in front of the back four in the opening two league games before picking up a groin injury in his third league match against Stoke. Fernando will be battling fellow Brazilian Fernandinho and Frank Lampard for a regular starting place alongside Yaya Toure.
Chile
Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal
Since arriving from Barcelona for £35m, Alexis Sanchez has scored in the league, Champions League and Capital One Cup for Arsenal, operating up top or from wide. Sanchez’s dogged displays for the club highlight his endurance and willingness to join in on an attack. The Chilean forward has scored four goals in total for the club, including an impressive finish against Manchester City in the league and a superb free-kick against Southampton in the Capital One Cup.
Colombia
Radamel Falcao – Manchester United
Although the Colombian striker hasn’t found the net in his first two appearances for the club, his impact from the bench and first start for the club have shown he is slowly reaching match fitness and sharpness. Falcao grabbed his first assist in the Premier League, floating in a delightful cross for Robin Van Persia to open the scoring against Leicester in a match where he hooked up well with United’s attacking force. I’m sure we’ll soon see the best of Falcao and scoring plenty of goals for United.
Carlos Sánchez – Aston Villa
Colombia’s World Cup star was without any doubt James Rodriguez, although defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez has proven to be a quality buy for Villa as they’ve enjoyed a positive start to the campaign. ‘La Rocca’ (The Rock), as he named for the strength on the pitch, has made only one start for the club in the league so far, but is a valuable addition to the club. Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing the former Elche player, but Villa got their man for a reported £4.7m.
Ecuador
Enner Valencia – West Ham
Enner Valencia was a relatively unknown international who gained attention after personal success in the World Cup, scoring all three Ecuador goals during the group stage. He has impressed early on for the Hammers, scoring one of the goals of the season so far with a 25 yard rocket of a shot against Hull in his full league debut. The Ecuador international will hope he can continue to start for West Ham this season and reach double figures.
Jefferson Montero – Swansea City
Like Enner Valencia, Montero enjoyed a successful world cup on a personal level despite Ecuador failing to reach the knockout stages. The 25-yeard-old has made five appearances for Swansea this season all from the bench, but has made an impact in every game, including his first start for the club in a 3-0 win at home to Everton in the League Cup, picking up his first assist for the club. The winger has mainly been restricted to substitute appearances in the league thus far due to the excellent form of Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge.
Uruguay
Abel Hernandez – Hull City
With one Uruguayan striker leaving the Premier League, another one has been brought in to Hull City for a club record fee of £10m. Although Hernandez didn’t score during Uruguay’s World Cup campaign, he has a very impressive goalscoring record of a goal every two games for his country. The striker grabbed his first goal for the club with a downward header in a 2-2 draw at home to West Ham. Hernandez will hope to form a good partnership with Croatian striker Jelavic.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
Arsenal
Eni Aluko Responds to Laura Woods’ Damning Comments With Long Statement as Ian Wright Row Continues
Eni Aluko has responded to a lengthy social media thread from Laura Woods amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her feud with Ian Wright. Aluko caused outrage in 2025 when she accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits, and she has reaffirmed her stance this week.
The former England international, who represented the Lionesses 105 times during her career, bemoaned the fact that two men, Wright and Nedum Onuoha, were on the punditry panel for the Women’s Euro 2025 final. This reignited a debate that many thought had been settled months ago.
Woods Pushes Back on Caps Argument
Woods took to social media on Monday morning to post a long thread explaining that caps don’t win automatic work. That comment came after Aluko pointed out she was sitting in the stands of last year’s final next to Fara Williams, who has 172 England caps.
The TNT Sports presenter added, “The women’s game should be by women for women is one of the most damaging phrases I’ve heard. It will not only drag women’s sport backwards, it will drag women’s punditry in all forms of the game backwards.” This is a fair point from Woods, who has built her career on merit rather than relying on playing credentials.
Aluko Stands Firm on Position
Responding to Woods, with whom she has worked previously, the 38 year old stated, “I respect Laura’s opinion as I have always done. I believe that women’s football should prioritise women as the faces of the sport. I think women should be the dominant force in the women’s game in the same way that men are the dominant force in the men’s game.”
Aluko also slammed Wright for declining her attempted apology last year. “When I apologised to Ian Wright publicly and privately, he had an opportunity to show grace. Unfortunately my sincerity, my humility, was met with disrespect.” This ongoing feud shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Also read: London City Lionesses vs. Everton Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal‘s 2-1 win over Brighton on December 27 revealed three critical truths about their title challenge and season trajectory heading into the final stretch.
The Gunners showed resilience but exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could prove catastrophic against Manchester City. Martin Odegaard’s clinical finishing and Brighton’s own goal masked deeper problems within Arsenal’s structure. Mikel Arteta’s men survived because Brighton lacked quality, not because Arsenal dominated.
Arsenal’s Defensive Fragility Remains Their Achilles Heel
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s nervous display highlighted Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns. The young left-back was withdrawn after 67 minutes with Arteta forced to shift Piero Hincapie left and introduce Gabriel Magalhaes. Brighton created legitimate chances through Yasin Ayari and Yankuba Minteh, with the latter forcing a world-class David Raya save in the 89th minute.
Manchester City will punish these defensive lapses ruthlessly. William Saliba appeared uncomfortable throughout, and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience showed repeatedly. Arsenal need Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori back to full fitness immediately. Without consistent defensive solidity, no amount of Odegaard brilliance secures the title.
Fortuitous Circumstances Carried Arsenal Rather Than Merit
Georginio Rutter’s own goal proved the difference in reality. Arsenal should have been 2 to 0 up at half-time with multiple clear chances. Martin Zubimendi had a guilt-edge header saved by Bart Verbruggen. Leandro Trossard fired wide from close range.
The hosts never played at optimum level despite dominating possession. Brighton grew into the game after half-time and genuinely threatened. The narrative of Arsenal’s unstoppable form crumbles when examining performance metrics. They’re winning tightly contested matches through individual moments rather than systematic dominance.
Gyokeres Still Needs Time to Adjust
Viktor Gyokeres had a sloppy opening 45 minutes according to GOAL’s ratings. The Swedish summer signing is struggling to find rhythm in Arsenal’s system. His involvement in link up play remains pedestrian.
Arsenal invested heavily in Gyokeres expecting elite performance immediately. Instead they’re watching a player adapting to new surroundings without consistent output. Against City’s defensive intensity, Gyokeres cannot afford settling in periods. Arsenal need him sharp now, not eventually.
Also read: Opta Supercomputer Predicts Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixture Against Brighton
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”