Everton have just sent Tottenham a bid for one of their senior forwards, but Roberto De Zerbi is already short in that department.
As Spurs continue to be linked with a series of forwards, Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the ideal scenario would be to add a central striker alongside Savinho and Cody Gakpo.
That could mean Spurs may have to let go of one of their forwards, and it appears Richarlison would be the one to make way.
The Brazil international has been linked with a move away from Tottenham throughout the summer despite finishing last season as the club’s top scorer, although that came with only 13 goals.
Roberto De Zerbi has not ruled out a departure when asked about Richarlison’s future, while also making it clear that replacing him would not be straightforward.
The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Italy, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but he is reportedly keen to remain in England, and a familiar destination could now offer him a route out of N17.
Everton bid for Richarlison, rejected by Tottenham
Richarlison left Goodison Park for Tottenham in 2022 for £60m and has been linked with a return several times since.
David Moyes hasn’t hidden his admiration for the Brazilian, while Richarlison himself has reportedly been ‘dreaming’ of a return to his former club.
This summer could be the most realistic opportunity yet, with the forward entering the final year of his Tottenham contract.
Tottenham insider ‘Szyexcl’, who has been accurate with his updates throughout the summer so far, has now claimed Everton have made an offer for Richarlison, although Spurs rejected it because it fell below their valuation.
He wrote: “#thfc have rejected a bid from Everton for Richarlison. Offer deemed below #thfc valuation. 29 yo understood to be open to a return.”
The value of Everton’s bid remains unknown, but what we do know is that Tottenham are looking for a fee ‘close to’ £40m, as reported by Paul O’Keefe earlier this month.
There is, however, conflicting information on whether an offer has actually been made, with SunSport’s Jake Sanders completely denying those claims, writing: “Tottenham say they have not received any bids from Everton for Richarlison.”
What has Richarlison told Roberto De Zerbi?
De Zerbi has continued to speak positively about Richarlison, describing him as an ‘important player’ and making it clear that he likes his qualities and attitude.
The Italian has nevertheless acknowledged that the Brazilian’s wishes will ultimately have to be respected, saying: “At the end, we have to respect what he wants to do. And we know, every one of us knows what he wants to do.”
When asked directly whether Richarlison wants to leave Tottenham, De Zerbi admitted there has been some uncertainty, saying:
“I don’t know, I didn’t understand well, because sometimes he said to stay, sometimes he leaves. We have to speak anyway, there is not any problem, he’s a lovely guy. All of us love him, the teammates, the club, the staff, because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we can’t say anything on the pitch.”