Tottenham are set to be one of the busiest sides in the transfer window this summer, and recent reports suggest that Antonio Conte is interested in signing Everton star Richarlison.
The Brazilian international is likely to be one of many from Goodison Park who will be open to leaving this summer after Everton’s close shave with relegation last season, with Richarlison reportedly valued at £65m.
Given Tottenham’s incredible attack last season, signing Richarlison would be an interesting move for the north London side, especially with Dejan Kulusevski set to sign on a permanent deal from Juventus after an outstanding five months on loan.
Indeed, the way things are going, Richarlison looks set to sign for Tottenham for a club-record fee. And with that in mind, what could Spurs’ starting XI potentially look like if the Brazilian was to start for Conte?
Pau Torres joins Cristian Romero and Eric Dier in defence
With Cristian Romero set to sign on a permanent deal from Atalanta and Eric Dier reborn under Conte, a new quality centre-back could elevate Tottenham’s defence into one of the best in the Premier League, and according to reports, Pau Torres is on Spurs’ radar.
The Spanish international is set for a big-money move away from Villarreal this summer, and with Tottenham having the funds to spend in this transfer window, Torres could be a perfect signing for Conte’s side given the defender’s incredible reputation in La Liga.
With Hugo Lloris signing a new contract earlier in the year, the long-serving Tottenham captain will likely remain as the club’s no. 1 between the sticks, with Fraser Forster likely to play just cup games for the north London side next season.
Djed Spence and Ivan Perisic make up new-look wingback positions
Ivan Perisic was the first signing Tottenham made this summer after the Croatian’s contract with Inter Milan expired, and as a left-wingback, Spurs could not have signed a better player for the position despite the winger’s age.
With the left side sorted, reported target Djed Spence is likely to take up the other position out on the right, with the Championship star thriving in the role for Nottingham Forest in the role as Steve Cooper’s side won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Although a new central midfielder would be welcome for Tottenham, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg formed a solid midfield partnership in the second half of last season, and the pair are likely to retain their roles in the starting XI for the 22/23 campaign.
Richarlison replaces Dejan Kulusevski as Harry Kane starts deeper
With Richarlison potentially joining Tottenham, finding a spot for the Brazilian will be a difficult task given just how brilliant Spurs’ front-three were last season following the arrival of Kulusevski.
A loan signing from Juventus who is likely to sign on a permanent deal, the £78,000-a-week winger was a revelation for Tottenham, with Kulusevski bagging five goals and eight assists in the Premier League for the north London side. However, in our XI, the Swede is the one who is cut.
In our new look front-three, Harry Kane stars in a deeper position, essentially the no. 10 role, with Heung-min Son and Richarlison leading the line as a striking duo, with the England captain and South Korean superstar simply too good to be benched.
Indeed, signing Richarlison could see the breakdown of the front three that fired Tottenham to top four last season. However, the Brazilian will provide valuable cover for the likes of Kane and Son, who were lucky to have stayed injury-free for the majority of the campaign.
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