Richarlison has admitted he has already told Everton chiefs his immediate transfer plans as clubs circle around the forward.
The Brazilian striker played an instrumental role as the Toffees avoided relegation to the Championship, scoring six goals in their final nine league games. But with two years remaining on his deal, there is a growing feeling he could leave Goodison Park in the upcoming window.
Signed from Watford back in 2018, the 25-year-old has more than 150 appearances for the Blues, hitting double figures for goals in each of his five seasons on Merseyside. However, with Everton ’s well documented financial issues, twinned with the player’s own ambitious plans, a move could be on the cards.
Real Madrid have been linked with the forward for some time, whilst Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as potential suitors. Closer to home, the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal have been touted with Goal reporting the Gunners have sounded out his representatives in recent weeks.
And speaking whilst on international duty Richarlison has done little to quash speculation, revealing he has already held talks with manager Frank Lampard and the Everton board, outlining his stance clearly.
“I've already made it clear to the board,” he told Globo Esporte. “I've already talked to (manager Frank) Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want. Let's wait for June.
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“Now I can't talk, because when we talk about leaving a club I'm kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me. When we talk about leaving I'm a little speechless.”
Lampard is hoping to build on the success he achieved at the end of his first season in charge and will hope to make a number of new signings to improve the playing squad. But he has previously spoken of the importance of Richarlison and how he hopes to continue improving a player he described as a "huge focal point of the team."
“With Richy I think and I know that he understands what my feelings about him are,” Lampard explained. “I think he is a fantastic, huge talent, with a work ethic which is the reason why Everton fans are so drawn to him. The way he fights - he is a really tough boy - and some of that is due to his make-up and upbringing. It is a pleasure to work with him.”
He added: "My point with him - where my job is - is to try and focus in on how we can make him better. Because I think there is more to come. You see glimpses of it all the time.
"Of course he wants to score more goals on a regular basis. It is all there for him. You forget how young he is because he has been in England for quite a while. The reality is he is playing at a really high level and is a huge focal point of the team. "