Tottenham signing Richarlison WOULDN’T get into Arsenal’s starting XI, insists former Gunners star Jack Wilshere, and says he is ‘not devastated’ the £60m Brazilian didn’t join from Everton
- Jack Wilshere says Richarlison would have struggled to make Arteta’s starting XI
- The striker has completed his £60million move from Everton to Tottenham
- Spurs had to fend off interest from Arsenal to secure his services for next term
- However, Wilshere says he is not disappointed to miss out on the Brazilian star
Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has claimed Richarlison would not have made it into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI if he joined the Gunners this summer.
Richarlison has completed a £60million move to rivals Tottenham – becoming Antonio Conte’s fourth signing of the summer so far.
Arsenal were among the teams interested in Richarlison – as well as Chelsea – but Wilshere says he is not disappointed to miss out on the star.
Jack Wilshere (R) says Richarlison would not have made it into Arsenal’s starting XI if he joined
The striker, 25, has completed his £60million move from Everton to Antonio Conte’s side
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Wilshere said: ‘I think he [Richarlison] improves the squad, definitely… he gives them something different. I wouldn’t say I’m gutted.
‘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.’
Wilshere – who played 197 times for Arsenal between 2008 and 2018 in an injury hit spell – was then pressed on whether he would have the Brazilian international at Arsenal if he was the manager.
Tottenham had to fend off competition from their Premier League rivals Arsenal to secure his signature, but Wilshere (above) says he is not disappointed about missing out on the star
‘Yeah but I don’t think he gets in the XI,’ he added.
‘He’d definitely challenge for it and be a good part of the squad but I don’t think he gets in the XI.’
Richarlison was identified as a one of Tottenham’s primary targets for the summer and his deal has been wrapped up after he underwent a medical in Brazil.
Conte has been bolstering his squad ahead of their Champions League campaign and believes Richarlison will be a vital addition.
Richarlison has made 152 appearances for Everton since joining from Watford in 2018
The Italian manager views the Brazilian as versatile and hopes he will flourish on the flanks for Tottenham next season.
He also thinks the 25-year-old has the ability to fill in down the middle for England star Harry Kane.
Richarlison has made 152 appearances for Everton since joining from Watford in 2018 for £40m, scoring 53 goals.
The forward was instrumental in helping the Toffees avoid the drop last season, as he found the back of the net 11 times and added a further five assists in 33 outings last season.
