Tottenham star Richarlison has opened up on how his move to Spurs was influenced by a call with Antonio Conte after Arsenal and Chelsea both registered an interest in the Brazilian striker.
The top three London clubs all pursued a deal for Richarlison over the summer but it was the Lilywhites that pipped their rivals to securing a deal for the Brazil international. After a slow start to life at N17, Richarlison is now showing why Spurs paid £60million for his services after scoring two goals and providing two assists in eight appearances.
Conte was keen to add attacking reinforcements to his squad ahead of a hectic season as Spurs returned to Champions League action and looked to close the gap to Manchester City in the Premier League. The Brazilian is currently away on international duty and scored twice as his side beat Ghana 3-0 to continue their World Cup preparations.
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Whilst away with Brazil, Richarlison has revealed what happened over the summer that saw him secure a move to join Spurs and opened up on interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. Speaking to Goal, the 25-year-old said: "I know Chelsea made an offer, and I believe Arsenal also contacted Everton to ask about my situation, but Spurs came in and paid the fee, you know?
"It’s as simple as that. Everton had to sell some players to avoid a Financial Fair Play problem, and the negotiations were very brief, to be honest.
"I was on holiday in Brazil when I heard that Tottenham had made Everton an offer. I was happy because they are a huge team. Then it was all about the clubs negotiating a deal, and fortunately, everything went well."
Richarlison outlined the influence Spurs manager Antonio Conte had in negotiations which eventually swayed the Brazil international's decision. The Brazil striker added: "Antonio Conte called me during the negotiations and expressed how much he’d like to have me on board – that was vital for my decision."
Arsenal swiftly moved for Gabriel Jesus to reinforce their attack after missing out on Richarlison, whilst Chelsea ended the transfer window by adding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to their attacking options. Spurs will be hoping their decision to sign Richarlison pays off and leaves their rivals wishing they had beaten the Lilywhites to a deal for the Brazilian.
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