‘I don’t think he would get in the Arsenal XI but he’d challenge for it.’
Jack Wilshere has claimed that the new Tottenham Hotspur signing of Richarlison would not have made it into Arsenal’s XI if he had joined the Gunners this summer.
The Brazilian attacker became Spurs’ fourth signing of the transfer window on Friday, signing for £60m from Everton.
Tottenham have signed Richarlison from Everton for £60m 😲 pic.twitter.com/LXcgFSSy4O
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 1, 2022
A number of clubs were linked with the 25-year-old, with both Arsenal and Chelsea thought to be keen on adding Richarlison to their ranks this summer. However, ex-Gunners midfielder Wilshere says he is not disappointed to miss out on the star.
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 anyone 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.”
👍 “He improves the Spurs squad.”
🤷♂️ “I wouldn’t say I am devastated as an Arsenal fan [to not sign Richarlison].”
🚫 “I don’t think he would get in the Arsenal XI but he’d challenge for it.”
Jack Wilshere isn’t too bothered about Richarlison joining #AFC rivals #THFC. pic.twitter.com/F9OdliOzrC
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 30, 2022
‘I don’t think he gets in the XI’ – Wilshere.
The former England international – who made 197 appearances for Arsenal during his time at the Emirates – was also asked if he would have the Brazilian international at Arsenal if he was the manager.
“Yeah but I don’t think he gets in the XI,” he replied.
“He’d definitely challenge for it and be a good part of the squad but I don’t think he gets in the XI.”
Conte adds to his ranks.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte was keen to bolster his squad ahead of their Champions League campaign, and the Italian is thought to view Richarlison as a versatile player who will be able to flourish in a number of positions.
Richarlison made 152 appearances for Everton since joining from Watford in 2018 for £40m, scoring 53 goals.
