Richarlison’s stance on leaving Tottenham explained, Arsenal striker could depart for Saudi too

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Tottenham Hotspur are ready to sanction the departure of one key forward this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur signed Archie Gray from Leeds United earlier this month and Swedish teenager Lucas Bergvall earlier this year.

Under Ange Postecoglou, the Lilywhites look set to be in for an important second season in North London as the Australian will be hoping to secure Champions League football for the club.

Whilst Gray and Bergvall are key midfield signings, the club need a new striker but sources have told HITC that Brazilian forward Richarlison could be on his way out this summer.

Richarlison confirms he would be interested in the Saudi Pro League

HITC understands that Richarlison has confirmed to the Saudi Pro League he would be interested in a move and they are ready to step up their interest in him in the coming weeks.

Tottenham are understood to be willing to sell Richarlison but would demand the £60 million fee that they paid for the Brazilian when he signed from Everton in 2022.

Selling Richarlison would also enable Spurs to push ahead with their summer plans to bolster their own attacking options.

HITC reported last month that Spurs had earmarked Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez as a key name on their list of targets this summer, with the Mexican available for £42 million.

Since joining Spurs during the summer of 2022, it has been a mixed time in North London for Richarlison.

He scored just once in his debut season (2022/23) in the Premier League under Antonio Conte but scored an impressive 11 under Postecoglou in the previous campaign.

Postecoglou labelled Richarlison as ‘great’ following a September victory over Sheffield United when speaking to Football.London and it would be a big decision to allow him to leave the club.

Saudi sides keen on Richarlison but also Gabriel Jesus

PIF owned Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli are understood to be keen but so too are ambitious newly promoted outfit Al-Qadsiah – who are owned by oil giants Aramco.

Sources have told HITC that the Pro League are ready to sanction the purchase of the Brazilian forward and allow these clubs to do battle over the signing.

The Pro League are also understood to be interested in bringing Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus to the Middle East this summer, but he is a much more difficult deal to do.