Arsenal could afford to sign Everton forward Richarlison if they qualify for the Champions League this season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
What is the latest news involving Richarlison?
The Brazil international has been one of the rare shining lights in a difficult season for the Toffees, already in double digits for combined goals and assists for the relegation-battling side.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested the versatile attacker could be on his way out of Goodison Park, with claims that Mikel Arteta's Gunners are one of the teams interested in signing him this summer.
What has O'Rourke said about Richarlison's potential move to Arsenal?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke claimed that securing Champions League football could be the key to the Gunners affording a big-money move for Richarlison this summer.
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He said: "Well, there's obviously some Premier League clubs who are in the market for new strikers. Arsenal are looking for striking reinforcements, and if they get in the Champions League, they might be able to afford to pay £50m for Richarlison."
Richarlison's a perfect fit for Arsenal
Having played well over 150 times in the Premier League with spells at Watford and now Everton, the 24-year-old Richarlison would represent a shrewd signing for the Gunners.
Seeing him move to the Emirates could be the key to unlocking his real potential, with the greater chances on offer and dominance of the ball likely to give him more opportunities to shine up front - the Gunners boast the sixth-highest average possession in the Premier League this season (52.1%), while they've taken the third-most shots per game (15.4).
But, not only that, the forward seems to match the new philosophy Arteta has looked to embrace.
Indeed, speaking to Everton's official club website a couple of seasons ago, the Brazilian's former teammate, Bernard, said: "Richarlison is a bit like me. He is quite discreet day-to-day at the training ground. He jokes and relaxes. He’s quite a quiet person and listens a lot to those around him.
"He’s a great guy and an exceptional player. He’s a really good person, he’s got a massive heart and he really looks to help people."
Since coming into the club, Arteta has made it clear to instil some real character in the squad, letting those go who have caused problems a la Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Matteo Guendouzi, and signing players who look to have a team-first mentality.
Aside from being a proven Premier League option, Richarlison appears to be the kind of personality who should mesh well with those around him at the Emirates.
It would certainly be an exciting signing if the Gunners could pull it off, and with the windfall they would get from qualifying for the Champions League, the Kroenkes should have no trouble paying the fee needed.