According to The Independent, Chelsea has taken the lead in the race to recruit Everton forward Richarlison this summer.
As the Blues head coach tries to bolster his offensive options ahead of the 2022/23 season, the 25-year-old has emerged as one of his main targets.
Chelsea are expected to let Romelu Lukaku leave this summer, and manager Jose Mourinho is hunting for a new striker.
Football.london spoke with Chris Beesley, the Liverpool ECHO journalist, who revealed more about the Brazilian and what he told former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
“He told Frank Lampard shortly after his hiring as Everton manager that he prefers to play as a ‘No.9’ since it is more similar to the position he plays for Brazil, but many people who see the team play on a daily basis feel he is more successful out wide,” Beesley added.
“For Everton, he normally plays on the left flank, cutting inside on his right foot and seeing a lot more of the ball than when he’s leading the line and is often alone and frustrated as a result.”
“Richarlison appears to be the type of player that rubs opponents the wrong way,” he continues, “but his attitude at Everton has never been an issue.”
“The only time in his four years at the club that you could argue he stepped out of line was when he wanted to take a penalty against Brighton in August when Dominic Calvert-Lewin – who stepped up and converted – was going to take it.”
“He always gives 100 percent for his team and is a hard worker who appears to be genuinely liked by all of his teammates – who gave him a hero’s welcome when he returned with his Olympic gold medal at Finch Farm [Everton’s training ground] last August – and Everton supporters, given that he’s a real fan favourite.
“While he appears serious and even angry on the pitch, it’s probably because he cares and is a true heart on the sleeve type guy, he’s a wonderful effervescent personality away from the pitch.”
Do you believe Richarlison will be a good fit for Chelsea in a central role?
Discussion about this post