Chelsea players urge board to sign Richarlison ahead of Arsenal | Soccer

Thomas Tuchel’s side are yet to complete their first transfer of the summer and have already seen the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while Romelu Lukaku is close to returning to Inter on loan.

Richarlison, meanwhile, is keen to leave Everton and has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.

Everton are demanding £50m for the Brazil international, while both Tottenham and Arsenal have made approaches in recent weeks.

But senior members of Chelsea’s squad are keen for Richarlison to join Stamford Bridge as Lukaku’s replacement, according to The Sun.

The report claims that Chelsea’s players see Richarlison’s “aggression and tenacity” as qualities in a player they would like to see in their squad.

Richarlison, who scored 10 Premier League goals last season, is said to have informed Frank Lampard and Everton’s hierarchy that he plans to leave Goodison Park this summer.

“I have already made it clear to the board. I’ve spoken to Lampard, my agents, and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June,” the Brazilian said last month.

“Now I can’t speak because when we talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like that because of the history I have at Everton, the affection the fans have for me. When we talk about the departure, I’m a bit speechless.”

Richarlison has two years left in his current Everton contract.

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