Watford have reportedly rebuffed Chelsea and Tottenham in their pursuit of Richarlison, who will not be sold by the club at any cost.
In an interview with London Evening Standard, Watford Chief Executive Scott Duxbury has fired a warning shot to Chelsea, Tottenham and other possible suitors for Richarlison, issuing a hands-off warning, and iterating that the Hornets intend to keep hold of the Brazilian winger for “many more seasons”.
Richarlison has taken the Premier League by storm upon joining Watford from Fluminense in the summer, taking little time to adapt to the challenges of top flight football in England. His impact has been so profound that the player has arguably become the most dangerous outlet in attack for the Hornets.
With five goals and four assists in just 14 appearances, the Brazilian looks every bit the player to lead Watford to a new chapter in their history, with the club aiming to become a mainstay in the Premier League top 10.
But, the Hornets might not have the services of Richarlison for long if he continues performing consistently for them, with high profile suitors entering the fray. Primarily, Chelsea and Tottenham have shown the most concrete of interests, with the duo eager to bolster their attack.
RICHARLISON in EPL:
Games: 13
Goals: 5
Assists: 38 goal involvements. Not bad for the 20-yo in his first season in Europe. pic.twitter.com/yrHAuMVJrg
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStat) November 25, 2017
The Blues were among the clubs chasing after Richarlison in the summer, before he eventually zeroed in on the Watford move, and the West Londoners are ready to make another attempt to sign him in the winter transfer window.
Antonio Conte does not have a lot of options in attack, with Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard as his only options. And with Willian being heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, a move for his compatriot could help Conte reinforce his attacking setup efficiently.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have a shortage of natural wingers, which puts a lot of burden on the wing-backs to provide width. Although Son Heung-Min and Erik Lamela do flourish in a wide role, neither has managed to remain consistent enough to warrant a large role in Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
But, Watford have now addressed the situation surrounding the in-demand winger, with Chief Executive Scott Duxbury insisting that the club will not sell a key player in January, while also adding that they intend to keep hold of the player for several years.
“We want Richarlison to be here for many more seasons. We are building a very competitive squad, we have no need to sell. We believe in the season being a race and that’s why we will never sell a player in January who we believe will help us. None of the players making an impact now will go.”
It now remains to be seen if either club succeeds in tempting Richarlison to make a mid-season switch in the winter. A January move does seem unlikely though, with the player enjoying his football at Watford, and the club unwilling to sell, meaning his suitors may have to wait till next summer to secure his services.
