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| Richarlison of Everton scores his side’s second goal beyond Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on May 19, 2022 in Liverpool, England. |
Chelsea missed
out on signing Everton forward
Richarlison after they failed to match Tottenham’s improved offer for the
Brazil international.
The 25-year-old completed the formalities of his
move to Antonio Conte’s
side on Thursday after undergoing a medical in his homeland.
Richarlison
is expected to be confirmed as a Spurs player within the next 48 hours as
Conte continues his impressive summer rebuild which has also seen the likes
of Yves Bissouma,
Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster bolster a squad which enjoyed an impressive end
to last season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been left licking their
wounds after missing out on one of their top targets to bolster the forward
line that Thomas Tuchel is desperate to reinvigorate following the departure of
Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues
looked to be in pole position to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha earlier
this week after the gazumped Arsenal and agreed a fee with their Premier League
rivals.
Raphinha,
however, appears to be holding out for a move to Barcelona and
his agent, Deco, the former Chelsea midfielder, was locked in a fresh round of
talks with another of his old clubs on Thursday.
Sensing the deal for Raphinha had stalled, Chelsea
made a late bid to hijack Richarlison’s move to their London rivals.
Chelsea are understood to have lodged an offer for
the former Watford striker, but Tottenham responded with a counter bid £50m
plus £10m in add-ons which their west London rivals refused to better.
Tuchel and new owner Todd Boehly will now focus
their efforts on securing the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.
The England international is keen on a return to
London and although City retain hope of keeping the 27-year-old, they will not
stand in his way should he wish to join Chelsea.
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