Speaking in his latest column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson has suggested that new Tottenham forward Richarlison will jump above Dejan Kulusevski in Antonio Conte’s pecking order.
Richarlison completed his move to N17 on Thursday evening, with Spurs officially announcing the Brazilian’s arrival on the 1st of July.
The 25-year-old helped inspire Everton to Premier League survival last season, scoring ten goals and providing five assists in 30 league appearances for the Toffees (TransferMarkt).
Richarlison will provide an exciting forward option for Conte, adding to the riches of Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, and Kulusevski.
The latter proved himself to be a fantastic January signing, contributing five goals and eight assists in just 20 appearances for Spurs (TransferMarkt).
Still just 22-years-old, Conte was quick to praise Kulusevski, labelling the Swede an ‘important prospect’ for Spurs (Football.London).
However, despite Kulusevski being held in high regard in North London, Merson has boldly suggested that Richarlison will leapfrog Spurs’ number 21 into the starting eleven.
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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I will be intrigued to see how Spurs line up at the start of the season with these newfound attacking riches.
It is encouraging to see the hierarchy at the club go into the market and strengthen an area in which the team was already strong in. Adding this depth will be vital in helping propel Conte’s side to the next level.
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