Is Richarlison a £40m gamble worth taking for Everton?

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Everton are keen on Watford forward Richarlison, but some supporters may be concerned by the links.

With a pretty disappointing summer window last year and with the season threatening to fizzle out in uninspiring fashion, it is little surprise that Everton already appear to be making plans for the upcoming window.

Sky Sports reports that the Toffees are amongst the host of clubs targeting a move for Watford forward Richarlison – who has enjoyed a very encouraging first season in the Premier League.

Had they made the move to sign the 20-year-old during the January transfer window, it is highly likely that few Everton fans would have been left feeling anything other than delight with the Brazilian enjoying a sensational first-half of the campaign.

However, since November ended, he has not scored a goal and his last assist in the Premier League came back in December. That record means that the Goodison Park faithful would be entirely entitled to ask whether targeting the youngster is wise given his eye-watering asking price.

Sky Sports reports that Watford want £40 million for Richarlison in the summer. And with Manchester United and Chelsea also in the race, it would hardly be a surprise if Everton have to meet that asking price if they hope to get something done – especially given that the two clubs seem to enjoy a fractious relationship following the situation with Marco Silva earlier in the campaign, as reported by BBC Sport.

There is not enough time left this season for Richarlison to prove that spending £40 million would not be a gamble ahead of the summer, so it is going to be a difficult decision for the Toffees.

If they are confident that there is more to come from the starlet and he can rediscover the form that he showed during the first-half of the season, spending £40 million could be a masterstroke.

But after seeing several of their big-money signings struggle since arriving last summer, it would be little surprise if a large section of the Everton fans were urging the club to reconsider their plans.