Romano: Chelsea failed with 11th-hour hijack attempt for North London-bound star

Transfer News: Chelsea attempted a hijack for Richarlison before Tottenham agreement

The dust has settled on Richarlison’s future, as Everton have now agreed to a £60m deal with Tottenham for the Brazilian. However, that hasn’t stopped Chelsea from attempting a heist, like they have done so many times before. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues made an attempt to hijack the Richarlison deal after reports emerged last night that Everton and Spurs have reached an agreement. 

Those efforts however are futile, since Richarlison has already agreed on terms with Tottenham and a medical is now imminent in his native Brazil, where he is currently on vacation. 

Chelsea were giving thought to rival Spurs for the 25-year-old striker. The Boehly-Clearlake administration has a lot on its plate now, as they simultaneously work on deals for Raphinha, Raheem Sterling and Matthijs de Ligt. 

There’s also a buzz surrounding Neymar at the moment, with the Guardian claiming that Todd Boehly could be aiming for a blockbuster acquisition in the transfer market. 

Other business to conduct

Richarlison, although not a headline act like Neymar, has scored 53 goals and provided 14 assists in 152 appearances for Everton and was instrumental in helping the Toffees avoid relegation last term. Tested and proven in arguably the toughest league in the world. 

Richarlison is a miss, but one that Chelsea can live with. Should other signings be on point, there is no reason to ponder too much on what could have been. 

Sure, Spurs have strengthened their team, but if the player did not want to come to the Bridge, then there is no point crying over spilt milk. Romelu Lukaku is back at Inter Milan for the next season, that is public knowledge now.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea move attention to Matthijs de Ligt after Jules Kounde snub
• Transfer News: Neymar could potentially leave PSG this summer
• Transfer News: Chelsea preparing fresh bid for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling

Thomas Tuchel signed the Belgian last summer despite having Timo Werner in his ranks. So, either the German now wants a different solution up front, or has found a face within his squad to take over the mantle from Lukaku. Can that be Armando Broja? Time will tell.