PSG are eyeing Richarlison to potentially replace star striker Kylian Mbappe
According to Fichajes, French champions PSG have earmarked Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison as the candidate to replace Kylian Mbappe should the latter leave next summer.
Mbappe signed a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain only last summer, but his future at the club appears far from secure. The Ligue 1 giants appear to be preparing contingency plans should their star man call it quits.
The name on top of the wishlist is that of Brazilian international Richarlison, who plays his trade at Tottenham. The 25-year-moved moved to the N-17 from Everton earlier in the summer and has largely impressed when given an opportunity.
The Samba star has been out of action since picking up an injury against Everton last month. He appears to be on the mend and has also been named in the Brazilian 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
PSG’s interest in the striker is not new as he was on their radar last summer as well. However, Mbappe’s staying put ended those discussions. Mere months later, PSG might be about to reopen the same can of worms.
Moving to the Parc des Princes will reunite Richarlison with international teammate Neymar. The duo form a formidable attack for the Selecao and might be about to reprise the partnership at the club level. PSG already have Neymar’s blessings to make the deal happen, and it remains to be seen if an effort will be made as soon as January to land the 25-year-old.
While Richarlison is a handful, he is far from prolific. Unless he ramps up his scoring rates, PSG could struggle to replace Mbappe’s goal-scoring prowess. Lionel Messi is also in the final few months of his contract, and losing potentially two of their vaunted front three could prove catastrophic.
Tottenham went in big for Richarlison and have proven themselves to be shrewd operators in negotiations. They hold the aces when it comes to talks and could force PSG to bend to their will. Antonio Conte has a good opinion of the Brazilian and could veto any move that will see him depart N-17 anytime soon.
For Richarlison, it is a brilliant opportunity to move to a European giant at the peak of his powers. Tottenham, for all their investment, look miles off competition for trophies. More so, Conte’s future at the club is also far from certain.
Richarlison could do with playing for a side that isn’t just competing along multiple fronts but also has teammates who can get the best out of him. Moving to PSG is a step up from Tottenham, and it remains to be seen if Richarlison will be tempted.
