Jack Wilshere says Tottenham-linked Richarlison won't get into Arsenal's XI

By Shamanth Jayaram

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of signing Richarlison, and Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere has delivered his verdict on the reported move.

The Brazil international has been linked with a number of clubs this summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs have all reportedly been interested in signing him, but it looks like Tottenham have won the race.

Reports revealed this morning that Richarlison was scheduled to undergo a medical ahead of a potential £60 million move to Antonio Conte’s side.

Wilshere was quizzed about the news, and he admitted that Richarlison could be a very good player for Tottenham. However, he feels the Brazil international wouldn’t be a starter at Arsenal if Mikel Arteta had gone and signed him.

• Carragher responds to Everton fan’s Richarlison tweet following their spat last season

Jack Wilshere says Tottenham-bound Richarlison wouldn’t get into Arsenal XI

Speaking on talkSPORT today, Wilshere said: “I think he improves the [Tottenham] squad, definitely. He gives them something different. I wouldn’t say I’m gutted [as an Arsenal fan].

“He’s 25, so he’s not young. There comes a point where he’s going to have to turn all that potential into something. To be fair, if anyone can do it it’s probably Antonio Conte.

“I wouldn’t say I was devastated as an Arsenal fan (when he heard Richarlison is joining Tottenham), but I think he will be one to watch, he could be really, really good.

“Yeah [I’d have him at Arsenal]. I don’t think he gets in the XI. He definitely would challenge for it and would be a good part of the squad. But, I don’t think he gets in the XI.”

• Cristian Romero mocked Richarlison just three months ago, now Spurs are reportedly about to sign him

TBR View:

Richarlison was reportedly Antonio Conte’s ‘top target‘ at Tottenham, and it looks like the Italian will get his man.

The Brazilian is a very useful player to have in the squad. He can play anywhere across the front three and has shown that he can step up against the big sides in the Premier League. He could prove to be a fine signing for Spurs, but would he be a regular starter?

With Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski all settled in Tottenham’s attack, it is difficult to see where Richarlison would fit in. He will most likely play a backup role at Spurs if the move goes through.

Wilshere is probably right about Arsenal too. Bukayo Saka will not be replaced on the right-wing, while Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe are both better suited to Arteta’s system than Richarlison on the opposite side.

Up top, it looks like Gabriel Jesus will be the man leading Arsenal’s line next season, and he is a much better striker than his compatriot Richarlison as well.

If Arsenal had signed Richarlison, he would’ve most likely been a backup at the Emirates as well.

• Richarlison sends four-word Twitter response to Everton fan predicting he’ll join Tottenham soon