Queens Park Rangers continue to be active in the transfer market on their return to the Premier League, as Chilean attacker Eduardo Vargas has arrived from Napoli.
Vargas, 24, has signed on a one-year loan deal after impressing QPR boss Harry Redknapp with his performances during the World Cup this summer. The West Londoners have now made six signings this summer, as Rio Ferdinand, Steven Caulker, Jordan Mutch, Leroy Fer and Vargas’ teammate with the Chilean national team, Mauricio Isla, have all joined the Hoops.
[RELATED: Fer joins QPR for $16 million]
Judging by their performance, not the disappointing 1-0 defeat, against Hull on the opening of the campaign, the R’s looked much better equipped for life in the PL than they did in 2012-13 when they were relegated. Vargas will compete with current strikers Charlie Austin, Bobby Zamora and Loic Remy for a place up front but the versatile attacker can play in a variety of positions.
Speaking to QPR’s website, Redknapp revealed the R’s have been chasing Vargas for quite some time and is delighted to get him on board.
“Eduardo is a quality player. He’s sharp, he’s bright, and he’s very lively on and off the ball. He can play as a number nine, he can play in behind, he can play wide – he’s very versatile. I really liked the look of him during the World Cup and he’s a player our scouts have been looking at for some time.”
Vargas will get the chance to showcase his talents in the PL and after seeing his career stall at Napoli last season under Rafael Benitez, we witnessed just how much of an impact he can make after he scored Chile’s opener in their 2-0 defeat of Spain at the World Cup. Since arriving at Napoli in 2012, Vargas has had loan spells at Gremio in Brazil, plus he spent time with Valencia last season. Vargas has scored 15 goals in 32 games for Chile and forged a great partnership alongside Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez during the World Cup.
Pacey, tenacious and not afraid to have a dig at goal, expect Vargas to add some extra spark to QPR’s offense as their main aim is to survive this season. Bringing in a player with World Cup experience will certainly help them on that front. Although Vargas will not be available this weekend as QPR clash with London rivals Tottenham. The South American still has to finalize his work permit and will return to Italy to do just that.