Tottenham preparing official Richarlison bid, but Chelsea interest could make Everton dreams come true

Tottenham preparing official Richarlison bid, but Chelsea interest could make Everton dreams come true


Everton forward Richarlison holding a flare

Tottenham are ready to lodge their first formal offer for Richarlison, though new interest from Chelsea could drive the price up if negotiations drag on, per reports.

The Brazilian fired Everton to safety last term with six goals in their final nine matches. Richarlison once again hit double figures for goals across the campaign and common sense would dictate his numbers would swell further if inserted into a superior team.

Everton’s financial strife has ensured a sale of either Richarlison or Dominic Calvert-Lewin is likely this summer. Given how they ended last season, the Brazilian would arguably command the higher fee.

Tottenham have drawn frequent links with the 25-year-old and today is no different.

The Evening Standard recently claimed Spurs are prepared to leave Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal in favour of moving for one of Richarlison or Leeds United’s Raphinha.

Both are Premier League-proven and are in the primes of their careers. As such, it’s unlikely either could be signed for anything under £60m.

Leeds have reportedly set a £65m price tag on their Brazilian talisman. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano previously claimed the Toffees would command £60m-£64m for Richarlison.

Now, Goal report Tottenham are prepared to firm up their interest in the latter with an official bid.

Forward wants quick resolution

That particular offer is slated to be lodged in the coming days. Furthermore, Spurs’ hierarchy reportedly hope to meet with Richarlison’s camp to discuss a deal and, presumably, personal terms.

From the player’s end, Richarlison is stated to want his future resolved after his current holiday back in Brazil concludes.

The haste with which he wants a resolution is something that could aid Spurs given Chelsea have entered the frame.

Indeed, with Romelu Lukaku’s loan exit back to Inter all but confirmed, the Blues are mobilising in the market.

Centre-back remains a priority with two elite targets named here. However, additions in the final third are also a must and both Raphinha and Richarlison are on their radar too.

Chelsea’s slow start to the window has given Tottenham an early edge. However, if they can’t wrap up a deal for Richarlison quickly, Chelsea’s interest could spark a bidding war Spurs will be keen to avoid.

Such a scenario would no doubt be to Everton’s liking given the new season is still six weeks away and time would be on their side to re-invest the Richarlison cash before gameweek one.

Who will Richarlison choose?

Goal note Everton are fully aware their forward wishes to leave for one of Europe’s top teams. Spurs and Chelsea both have world class managers at the helm and both have Champions League football on offer, something the Brazilian is keen to experience.

The decision, of course, could simply come down to finances. If club A were prepared to table a higher bid to Everton plus a larger salary to the player, they would likely win the race.

With regards to playing time, Richarlison may actually find it harder to feature regularly at Tottenham.

Richarlison, Everton forward, reacts after missing a chance during Premier League game v Leicester at Goodison Park

Two of Antonio Conte’s front three slots are sewn up by Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. The right wing role is currently held by Dejan Kulusevski who was a revelation following his January arrival.

However, depth beyond those three is relatively thin on the ground. Lucas Moura has reiterated his desire to leave in 12 months’ time. What’s more, Steven Bergwijn looks on course to return to the Netherlands with Ajax.

In contrast, Richarlison would stand a reasonable chance of securing any one of Chelsea’s three frontline positions. However, their greater strength in depth could also lead to extended spells on the sidelines if his form dipped.

Previous Post Next Post
close