According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are interested in signing Everton forward Richarlison, a player who’s also wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham.
Everton have narrowly escaped relegation but despite their heroics, the club is expected to lose a large portion of its squad. Calvert-Lewin could be on his way out and in a recent interview, even Richarlison has hinted at a possible exit.
The Brazilian has admitted that even though he loves the club, the probability of a transfer just cannot be ruled out.
Richarlison said: “I’ve already made it clear to the board. I’ve already talked to (manager Frank) Lampard too, with my agents, and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June.
“Now I can’t talk because when we talk about leaving a club, I’m kind of like this because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me. When we talk about leaving, I’m a little speechless.”
Will Chelsea be able to lure in the 25-year-old?
Thomas Tuchel is looking for a wide-attacking at the moment and someone who’s scored 10 goals and provided five league assists this season can be the perfect fit.
Werner, Ziyech and Christian Pulisic will all likely be sold in the summer which means Richarlison can very well effortlessly become the attacking partner for Romelu Lukaku.
It was an unusual year, very difficult. Although we know we have escaped an even worse scenario, there are several lessons for the future. Everton is a giant club and deserves to fight at the top of the table, for places in continental competitions and for titles… pic.twitter.com/iOxdysEzQi
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) May 22, 2022
Money will not be a problem for Chelsea and since Everton are planning a major overhaul of their squad, they will need to sell some players in order to generate funds. Players like DCL and Richarlison are the ones who will generate the most value in the market so the Toffees will eventually have to put them up for sale.
The project at Chelsea will be enticing to any player so if Everton make up their mind for a transfer, the Brazilian coming to Stamford Bridge seems a very genuine possibility.
Can Arsenal and Spurs challenge for Richarlison?
If Chelsea are seriously looking into Richarlison then Arsenal will hardly get a sniff in because the lure of the UCL is far greater than the Europa League. Also, if Tuchel can sell all three of his underperforming attackers then regular game time will not be a problem.
The Gunners will also be working on a limited budget so the only thing they can offer Richarlison is a regular place in the first XI and a dream to be in the Champions League very soon.
However, Spurs have finished in the top four so they can contest Chelsea in that department but there, the Brazilian will most probably have to play second fiddle to Harry Kane and Son.
With Conte staying, Kane and Son will not be sold meaning Richarlison will have to play the backup role if he wants a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.