Richarlison reveals that Chelsea made an offer to sign him in the summer
Speaking whilst on international duty with Brazil, via Goal (h/t Mirror), Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison revealed that Chelsea made an offer to sign him while Arsenal made contact with Everton in the summer transfer window, before their London rivals Spurs eventually got him in their ranks.
The Brazilian international signed a deal with Tottenham worth £60m after four good seasons with Everton. He was the Toffees’ best player last season and one of the key reasons why they avoided relegation from the Premier League.
Chelsea were heavily linked with the 25-year-old, with the player confirming that an offer was made by the west London club. Arsenal were also in the running but Spurs acted the fastest of all and got the job done.
Here’s what Richarlison said about interests from London clubs to sign him (h/t Mirror):
“I know Chelsea made an offer, and I believe Arsenal also contacted Everton to ask about my situation, but Spurs came in and paid the fee, you know? It’s as simple as that. Everton had to sell some players to avoid a Financial Fair Play problem, and the negotiations were very brief, to be honest.
I was on holiday in Brazil when I heard that Tottenham had made Everton an offer. I was happy because they are a huge team. “
The forward also shared how a phone call with Antonio Conte helped his decision-making to join Tottenham ahead of the two London rivals and bigger clubs.
Despite being 25, Richarlison is now an experienced Premier League and international footballer. He has over 150 appearances in the English top-flight and has always been a key player to whichever squad he has played for.
Last season, the Brazilian scored 10 goals and assisted five in 30 league games for Everton. Each of those goal contributions added so much significance to their survival charge because the team lacked goals and creators of goals.
He quickly won the fans over at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium with a brace in his Champions League debut against Marseille.
Have Chelsea missed out on an important player? One would think so given his goal-scoring prowess and his ability to operate in any position across the front line. He is a willing runner, a quality finisher and a menace to opposition defenders.
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The Blues eventually signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (33) to fill up their vacant number nine slot.