Everton may be forced into selling Richarlison this summer, and a report has detailed the interest levels of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
The Brazilian, 25, came to the fore down the stretch when it mattered most for Everton. Richarlison finished the campaign with 10 league goals, though six of those strikes came in the Toffees’ last nine matches.
Richarlison was the driving force behind their late-season surge, though that may prove to be his last act on Merseyside.
Sky Sports journalist, Ben Grounds, recently stated one of Richarlison or Calvert-Lewin could be sacrificed to help balance the books.
What’s more, if Frank Lampard is to rebalance his squad, a high-profile sale will be necessary to free up funds.
Richarlison’s stock is the higher than Calvert-Lewin’s given how the season unfolded. And per the Sun, Arsenal are deemed the ‘main’ contender to snap up his services.
The Gunners are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer with Alexandre Lacazette poised to leave for free. Eddie Nketiah is expected to sign a new deal, though Mikel Arteta will need more firepower than just Nketiah.
The report claims Arsenal hope to raise £60m from the sales of fringe players. While not named, the likes of Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin and Lucas Torreira have all been earmarked for sale by other outlets.
That money will be put towards new arrivals and Richarlison is seemingly high on their agenda.
Chelsea, Spurs in the mix
However, both Chelsea and Tottenham are in the mix, according to the Sun.
Chelsea’s takeover has been completed and it’s stated they’ll address their striking department if Romelu Lukaku returns to Inter Milan. The latest on the Belgian can be found here.
Spurs, meanwhile, are reportedly seeking a ‘top class’ third-choice striker to back up Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. The fact Richarlison can also operate out wide boosts his appeal.
Man Utd also get a mention, though the reporting suggests a move to London is the likelier outcome.
Where should Richarlison go?
The obvious club to rule out would be Tottenham. Richarlison is a high level operator, though when all are fully fit, he would not make Spurs’ starting eleven.
A move to Chelsea makes sense on some levels, especially if Lukaku departs. Though Richarlison has never scored more than 13 in a Premier League campaign and Thomas Tuchel requires a more potent force at the tip of his attack.
As such, Arsenal seem to be the stand-out option if Richarlison is sold. He would get his first taste of European football and would bring fight and determination the Gunners sometimes lack.
Arteta’s need for forwards is also greater than Tuchel’s and Antonio Conte’s at present. What’s more, he may be easier to attract than the likes of Darwin Nunez who is known to want Champions League football.