Arsenal are reportedly interested in raiding Everton for Richarlison ahead of the summer window, with Edu said to be a ‘huge fan’. A player, that Martin Keown said Liverpool defenders could not handle back in 2021.
Brazil international Richarlison, 24, has not been in his best form this season – coinciding with Everton’s struggles. Just four goals have come his way as Frank Lampard’s side sit in a worrying 17th place in the table.
Planet Sport report that Arsenal are considering a move for Richarlison, despite their interest in Dom Calvert-Lewin. The two names are among a list of 10 players Arsenal could sign to solve their search of a striker.
Speaking about his performance against Merseyside rivals Liverpool back in February 2021, in which Richarlison scored in a 2-0 win at Anfield, Keown said the Reds defenders simply could not deal with the Brazilian.
“He really is a top talent,” he told Match of the Day. “He’s on the move the whole time. And every time they played the ball long, again it’s the central defenders, they just couldn’t deal with him.”
Keown on Richarlison: Everton star is class, but so Arsenal need him?
There is no doubt that Richarlison would improve Arsenal. He would give them a nasty, hard-working edge up top – which suits what Mikel Arteta wants from his Arsenal attackers. But is he what they need?
Arsenal need a no.9. A Calvert-Lewin, for example. While Richarlison can play as a striker, and a centre-forward in that, he is more of a winger and hardly the kind of player to dictate two central defenders during a game.
If Arsenal have a limited budget in the summer window, they would surely be better spending their money on a Calvert-Lewin – than a Richarlison.
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