Jack Wilshere has slammed RIcharlison's move to Tottenham and claimed he would NOT make Arsenal's starting XI.
A £60million deal for the Brazilian is wrapped up and he will swap Everton for north London as Antonio Conte continues to bolster his options. Richarlison has proven himself at Watford and the Toffees and will now compliment a frontline that already includes Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Tottenham edged out Arsenal in the race for the top four last term, confirming their Champions League place on the final day. They are now looking to consolidate that whilst the Gunners are attempting to overhaul their neighbours. As a result they themselves have been busy in the market.
When quizzed if he’d have Richarlison at Arsenal, Wilshere claimed the Brazilian would only be good enough for the bench. He told TalkSport : “Yeah but I don’t think he gets in the XI. He’d definitely challenge for it and be a good part of the squad but I don’t think he gets in the XI.”
The Gunners are set to announce the £45m arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. A new No.9 had been on their radar to go alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli. Raphinha also remains on their radar, but they are firmly in a battle for his signature.
Wilshere highlighted Richarlison's qualities, but claims he needs to take the next step in his development. He added: “I think he improves the squad, definitely… he gives them something different. I wouldn’t say I’m gutted [he’s not signed for Arsenal]. He’s 25, so not young.
"There comes a point where you’re going to have to turn that potential into something but to be fair if any one can do it, it’s Antonio Conte. I wouldn’t say I’m devastated as an Arsenal fan but he could be one to watch, he could be really good.”
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Everton needed to offload players in order to balance the books and they will receive an initial £50m with a further £10m in potential add-ons. Richarlison is Tottenham's fourth signing of the summer. He joins fellow new faces Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster.
Conte's summer spending is already in and around the £100m mark as he looks to make in roads in what is his first summer as boss in north London with the Italian known for his demands, especially when it comes to investing in the playing squad. A move for highly-rated wing-back Djed Spence is also near.
