Fabrizio Romano revealed an interesting story in his latest daily update, surrounding new Tottenham Hotspur fan favourite Richarlison.
According to the Italian journalist, Richarlison attracted interest from two other English clubs. What’s more is that one club even tried to hijack the deal on the night before Richarlison was scheduled for a medical with Spurs.
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This is what Fabrizio Romano said about the attempt by a London club to hijack the Richarlison deal.
“Chelsea made a bid for Richarlison during the night before his medical tests with Tottenham (made in Brazil); Richarlison had already an agreement with Spurs and same on clubs side, but Chelsea wanted to hijack the deal.”
But Chelsea were not the only suitors pursuing Richarlison’s signature. Arch rivals Arsenal also wanted to snap up the Brazilian.
Romano said: “Meanwhile, Arsenal only asked for information, there was never an official negotiation. It was about the manager, as Antonio Conte really wanted him, and also Champions League football of course.”
Ouch, that’s a hard blow for Arsenal. But it does again reinforce the importance of Champions League football in attracting the top players across Europe. Transfer fees and wages are obviously important, but nothing will satisfy a player like Richarlison more than scoring a double on his Champions League debut to help Spurs to a 2-0 victory over Marseille. The player was extremely emotional after scoring, celebrating in front of his friends and family who had come to support him. This is a moment that will live with him forever, a moment he describes as a ‘childhood dream’.
Richarlison couldn’t hold back the tears after scoring a brace in front of his friends and family on his #UCL debut 🥹 pic.twitter.com/NHqsqllaFv
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 7, 2022
Richarlison Settling in Well at Spurs
Richarlison’s double against Marseille was an emotional but well-deserved moment for the Brazilian, who really has settled quickly at the club. Romano mentions Conte as a big drawer for Richarlison choosing Spurs and perhaps this is also partly the reason why he was able to hit the ground running. After all, Richarlison has really had to battle for a place in the starting eleven.
Imagine coming to a club where the forward line includes the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura. That said, he does already seem to be preferred ahead of his Brazilian counterpart.
So far Richarlison has two goals and two assists across eight appearances. This is already pretty good going and Spurs will be able to push even harder for that elusive silverware this season with his goalscoring and creative play. He is no doubt a player that Chelsea and Arsenal rule missing out on. The draw of Champions League football and the chance to work with Conte was just too strong for Richarlison.
Richarlison confirms Chelsea made a bid to sign him: “Yes, I know Chelsea made an offer in the summer… and I believe Arsenal contacted Everton to ask about my situation”. ⚪️🇧🇷 #THFC
“But Spurs came in and paid the fee, you know? It’s as simple as that”, he told @standardsport. pic.twitter.com/4fZ8dA68jx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 24, 2022
