"Tottenham interested": David Ornstein drops big transfer claim, Conte will be buzzing - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur are now lining up a swoop for Richarlison…

That’s according to the very reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, who delivered the claim on Twitter this weekend.

He tweeted:

“Tottenham interested in signing Richarlison. No bid yet – will only do it at right price + have other options. Everton want more than reported €60m but need for funds likely to reduce fee + some close to #EFC think #THFC move will happen.”

In an accompanying article, it’s stated that the Toffees could make a significant sale this summer to improve the Financial Fair Play position and free up funds for manager Frank Lampard.

It’s also believed that the Merseyside outfit are unlikely to receive as much as the £51m they reportedly desire, with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at a slightly lower £45m.

Whilst it is hard to envisage where the Brazil international fits into Antonio Conte’s attack, he would still be a significant piece and a big threat that Spurs know very well.

Last season, he bagged ten goals and laid on five assists across 30 top-flight appearances, improving on his tally of ten direct Premier League goal contributions across 34 games in 2020/21, despite being in a worse performing side as Everton narrowly avoided relegation this term.

That campaign also saw him bag a brace against the Lilywhites during their 5-4 win in the FA Cup fifth round; he did so from the left flank but the 25-year-old is also capable of playing through the middle as a centre-forward, on the right and as a no.10.

Not only is that versatility going to be hugely appealing to the Italian head coach but it’s his work rate that also appeals, leaving no doubt in why Conte would want to sign him.

As per FBref, the 6-foot forward – compared to his