Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Everton forward Richarlison as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options for next season.
What’s the Word?
That is according to journalist Simon Jones, who writes in the Daily Mail that the Brazilian is weighing up his options on whether he wants to stay or leave Goodison Park.
When asked about his future on international duty, the 25-year-old 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”.
This comes after Sportsmail reported last week the interest of Tottenham, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in bringing the striker to boost their strike forces, but now that Arsenal have reportedly shown interest, it creates greater intrigue in the situation as they actively need a new first-choice striker, while the other three sides all have top quality centre forwards in Harry Kane, Karim Benzema, and Kylian Mbappe, respectively,
A better option than Jesus?
The questions that Gunners fans will be asking about their links with Richarlison would mostly be related to how he compares to other options that the club are currently exploring, as it is a move they have to get right as not having a clinical centre forward was a determining factor in the North Londoners underperforming during the 2021/22 season.
With current number nine Alexandre Lacazette set to depart in the summer, Arteta is exploring his options, and James McNicholas and David Ornstein revealed last week in The Athletic that Gabriel Jesus was their number one target, with one year remaining on his deal at Manchester City.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Citizens’ marksman will be available for between £41m and £52m this summer, but Arsenal could be getting a better deal if they choose to pursue the Everton man instead, who arguably looks a better fit for the Spanish manager’s side.
With two more Premier League goals this season than the City forward, the Toffees number nine is more of a natural player to lead the line, starting 25 of his 33 appearances in the centre forward position this season. Compare that to his Brazil teammate, who started just over half of his matches under Guardiola in that role.
Richarlison has also been in very good form in recent weeks, receiving praise from his manager Frank Lampard, who called the £45m-rated attacker “a huge talent”, while he was also singled out for praise by former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood after his recent “King of the Match” winning display against Crystal Palace. He told Premier League Productions:
“Richarlison has stood up for Everton in the last few weeks. He’s got goals when they’ve needed them and his goal tonight is barely even a chance. He’s a fox in the box, what a finisher.”
Jesus, meanwhile, often received criticism for being unreliable in front of goal, and has struggled to hold down a regular place upfront for his club, despite being the only recognised striker on the books at the Etihad Stadium.
Overall, even though he might end up being a bit more pricey, Richarlison looks like a better fit for Arteta’s vision and a more natural number nine that would flourish in the right system- which would be better than signing a utility forward like Jesus.
AND in other news, Serie A expert claims talisman is better “suited” for Arsenal rather than Man Utd…
