Arsenal: Kroenkes could bring 'exceptional' £50m striker to the Emirates

Arsenal could afford to sign Everton forward Richarlison if they qualify for the Champions League this season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

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.

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.

Chelsea 2-4 Arsenal! Full reaction on The Football Terrace…

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.“

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