Paul Merson thinks Richarlison will replace Dejan Kulusevski at Tottenham

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is reportedly about to sign Richarlison from Everton, and Paul Merson thinks that’s bad news for Dejan Kulusevski.

Reports revealed yesterday morning that Spurs and Everton agreed a deal in principle for the transfer of the Brazilian attacker. Fabrizio Romano claimed last night that Tottenham have even sent over the contracts to Richarlison and his agents to seal the deal as soon as possible.

The 25-year-old is an excellent player to have in the squad. He can play anywhere in attack and has proven that he can score goals regularly. That’s probably why Antonio Conte made him his ‘top target‘ this summer, but Merson doesn’t quite understand the Italian’s decision to sign the Everton man.

He believes Richalrison will effectively replace Kulusevski in the starting lineup next term, even though the Swede was absolutely outstanding for Spurs in the second half of last season.

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Paul Merson thinks Richarlison will replace Dejan Kulusevski at Tottenham

In his latest column on Sportskeeda, Merson questioned Tottenham boss Conte’s decision to sign Richarlison this summer.

He wrote: “Spurs have bought very, very well this summer and they aren’t quite finished.

“Reports suggest they’ve agreed a deal to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet on loan, while the deal to sign Brazilian striker Richarlison is also close to completion.

“Personally, I don’t see why they are splashing the big bucks on the latter, as he’d effectively replace Dejan Kulusevski in the starting lineup, who was outstanding in the second half of last season.”

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Richarlison is a fantastic player in his own right, but we’ll be really surprised if he joins Tottenham and takes Kulusevski’s place right away.

The Swede was absolutely incredible for Spurs following his move from Juventus in January this year. He scored five goals and provided eight assists in 18 Premier League appearances, which is a really good return for someone who’s still only 22.

Kulusevski also formed a sensational partnership with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min up front. Spurs arguably had the best attack in the country in the final few weeks of last season thanks to the trio, and it makes no sense to break them up now.

Richarlison, if his move goes through, will start next season as a backup to Tottenham’s three superstar attackers. However, if he impresses when called upon, he could well nail down a starting spot.

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