Report: Blues target reportedly close to signing for arch-rivals | OneFootball

Richarlison poised for Tottenham Hotspur switch despite Chelsea interest

Chelsea’s transfer activity has picked up serious momentum since their backroom reshuffle and one of the names who has emerged as a serious target is Everton striker Richarlison.

Since arriving from Watford in the summer of 2018, Richarlison has scored 53 goals and set-up 14 more in 152 appearances for Everton.

He was instrumental in helping Everton avoid relegation last term, scoring some crucial goals towards the tail-end of the campaign – including a winner against Chelsea at Goodison Park.

Tottenham are reportedly in the driving seat to sign Richarlison. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old is linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer but despite the foregone conclusion surrounding his Everton future, Richarlison has remained tight-lipped on his next move out of respect for his current club and their supporters.

Sky Sports reported very recently that Chelsea are putting serious thought behind making a move for Richarlison, thus going up against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur who have been courting the Brazilian for a while.

According to UOL journalist Bruno Andrade (h/t football.london), Spurs are set to land Richarlison ahead of Chelsea, with the Blues seemingly focused on other targets for the time being.

Richarlison was instrumental in helping Everton avoid relegation last term.

Big blow for Chelsea?

There’s too much activity going on at SW6 for Chelsea to be disappointed over missing out on Richarlison.  If Todd Boehly and Thomas Tuchel viewed Richarlison as an absolute priority like they are considering Raheem Sterling and Raphinha to be, then an offer would have most likely been on the table already.

Chelsea at the moment have agreed to a fee with Leeds United for Raphinha, while discussions for Sterling with Manchester City continue to progress smoothly.

However, don’t rule out Chelsea making a final approach for Richarlison just yet. Only two days back, Arsenal were in the driving seat for Raphinha. The tables flipped in a matter of a few hours, so never say never given the nature of the transfer market.