Jack Wilshere has dramatically gone from labelling Richarlison a "top, top player" to someone who wouldn't make into Arsenal's starting XI - just as his transfer to Tottenham was confirmed.
The 25-year-old striker completed a £60 million switch from Everton on Friday, only eight days after Wilshere claimed that he'd like to see Richarlison sign for his former club. The Brazilian was lauded by the ex-Gunners midfielder before rumours of a move to Tottenham intensified, rating a hypothetical deal which would've seen him join Arsenal at eight out of 10.
Now, though, Wilshere reckons Richarlison would only make the bench as part of Mikel Arteta's side, declaring on TalkSPORT: "I don't think he gets in the XI. He'd definitely challenge for it and be a good part of the squad but I don't think he gets in the XI."
The former England international added: "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."
His more recent verdict is a sharp change of tune from last week's, as Wilshere - who now plays his football in the Danish top-flight with AGF Aarhus - stated to the radio station: "Richarlison is a strange one. I think he's a top, top player. There's obviously something there but he's had his problems on the pitch.
"He's a little bit petulant and immature. Sometimes I quite like that, it shows he cares and is passionate. I think he deserves his chance at a top club. I would actually quite like to see him at Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta."
The man in question certainly has no qualms about his decision to sign for Spurs on a five-year contract, having spent four years on Merseyside. After firing Everton to safety last season with a slew of crucial goals, Richarlison made it clear that he was considering his future and wanted to take the next step in his career ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
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While gifting his former employers a much-needed cash injection, Brazil's No.7 can finally get a taste of European football under Conte, as Tottenham pipped Arsenal to Champions League qualification in May.
Expected to provide backup to stars Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, a role on the right-hand side of Spurs' attack will be his best chance of starting on a regular basis. However, that was the position which loanee Dejan Kulusevski excelled in following his January arrival from Juventus, meaning that Richarlison may well end up on the bench in north London - just not Arsenal's.
