Tottenham Hotspur target Richarlison is not a ‘priority’ for Antonio Conte in the current transfer window, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
Spurs have already brought in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma this summer, but their recruitment drive is not expected to end there after a strong end to 2021/22.
What is the latest news involving Tottenham?
A recent report from The Telegraph revealed that Tottenham have seen an opening offer for Richarlison rejected by Everton after it fell well below their valuation.
The north London outfit reportedly offered £20 million-plus winger Steven Bergwijn as a makeweight, but it seems they will have to go back to the drawing board.
Meanwhile, The Sun claim that director of football Fabio Paratici is now preparing a double swoop and is set to offer Everton £100m for both Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, with £20m of that fee coming in performance-based add-ons.
The Mirror state that the Toffees will continue to hold out for a £60m fee for the Brazil international, though, who is determined to depart Merseyside this summer.
What has Crook said about Richarlison?
Back in April, The Athletic disclosed that the main focus for Tottenham in their transfer plans will be to sign a left-sided centre-back, and Crook believes Richarlison will consequently be viewed as a ‘luxury signing’.
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He told GiveMeSport: “I think that will be one that could drag on a bit because I don't think he's a priority for Tottenham.
“I think he's a luxury signing, someone that Paratici and Conte clearly admire and would like to bring in, but I don't think it's a necessity. They can afford to wait and bide their time.”
Should Tottenham prioritise Richarlison?
Richarlison has bagged 53 goals and laid on a further 14 assists in 152 appearances for Everton throughout his four-year stay with the club. However, it’s his work off the ball that arguably makes him such a unique attacking talent.
As per FBref, the 25-year-old has ranked in the 99th percentile for blocks, 95th for tackles, 93rd for interceptions and 92nd for pressures and clearances amongst his positional peers over the last 12 months.
The South American’s ability to play on the left-hand side and through the middle would also be a valuable asset to Conte as he looks to provide cover and competition for both Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min.
While the lack of a left-footed centre-back in Tottenham’s squad means a central defender may be at the top of Conte’s wish list, Richarlison is likely to come a very close second.