Chelsea Steal March On Arsenal After Opening Talks With Brazilian Attacker

The January transfer window is now open so clubs are working hard trying to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season and put deals in place for the summer. Today, Chelsea have opened talks over Richarlison…

Chelsea have stolen a march on Arsenal after holding talks with Richarlison’s agent about a potential move to Stamford Bridge, according to a report in the Express.

Richarlison has enjoyed an excellent start to life here in the Premier League since making an £11.5m move to Watford last summer following an impressive season at Fluminense.

The 20-year-old has provided 5 goals and 5 assists so far this campaign and his impressive form has reportedly caught the attention of clubs in the upper echelons of the table.

The Daily Mail claim that Arsenal and Chelsea are showing a keen interest in signing the Brazilian U20 international and could test Watford’s resolve to keep hold of the attacker this summer.

Arsene Wenger is in the market for attacking reinforcements as Alexis Sanchez is expected to leave the Emirates this month and Richarlison is seemingly on the Arsenal manager’s radar.

However, Chelsea have stolen a march on the Gunners as the Express are citing a report from Goal that claims the Blues have already opened discussions with Richarlison’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte is on the look out for another attacker to help ease the goal-scoring burden on the likes of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata and Richarlison would be a very useful signing for Chelsea if they could pull it off.

The South American is predominantly a left winger but he can also play on the right side of attack or even through the middle as a striker so his versatility is sure to appeal to Conte.

Any potential move is likely to be lined-up for the summer but Watford boss Marco Silva admitted just last month that they will find it difficult to keep hold of the likes of Richarlison beyond this season if big clubs come calling.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

However, the attacker is still under contract until 2022 so Watford will be under no pressure to sell on the cheap meaning the likes of Chelsea or Arsenal may have to dig deep if they want to get a deal agreed.