Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson claims that Everton forward Richarlison would be a good addition for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The Blues have struggled to sign a striker that has worked for them.
In the last two seasons, Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner have been bought to play up front at Stamford Bridge for a combined cost of over £140m.
The duo had scored 24 and 28 league goals respectively in the year before their move but this campaign they have only scored a combined 12 goals for the west London club.
This has forced Chelsea to rely on players elsewhere on the pitch to get their goals, with Mason Mount being their top scorer with 11 goals.
The struggles with their strikers has led to suggestions that Tuchel should maybe look for a less conventional number nine to be at the top of the team and, in an interview relayed by the Metro, Johnson suggests that Richarlison could be that player.
“I certainly believe he would suit the way Chelsea play more than Romelu Lukaku.
“Whether he’s good enough to be their main man and get 20 goals a season, then I’m not so sure.
“I do like him though and I think he’s a good player and it could be a sensible move if the fee is reasonable.”
Our thoughts on Johnson’s Richarlison claim
The case for the Blues to get a different sort of striker is backed up by the fact that, out of all of the players who have played up front this season at Stamford Bridge, Kai Havertz, who can also play in midfield, has the highest WhoScored league rating.
Richarlison has also had an impressive season at a struggling Everton. For a team that finished 16th and only had Norwich creating fewer big chances than them, the 25-year-old has scored ten goals, more than any Chelsea striker.
The Brazil international has been vital in his side avoiding relegation, leading the Toffees in goals and assists as well having the highest WhoScored rating.
He is loved by his manager Frank Lampard, who has called him “fantastic” this year.
“With Richy, I think and I know that he understands what my feelings about him are. I think he is a fantastic, huge talent, with a work ethic which is the reason why Everton fans are so drawn to him. The way he fights – he is a really tough boy – and some of that is due to his make-up and upbringing. It is a pleasure to work with him.”
Whilst former boss Carlo Ancelotti lauded him as a “complete” player during his time at Goodison Park.
With the £45m-rated dynamo in the top 10% of his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles, interceptions, pressures, blocks, and clearances, he has all the attributes to play as the modern centre forward and would be a great signing for Chelsea.
AND in other news, “Really interesting” – Transfer insider claims Chelsea could move for 26 y/o who “Tuchel loves”…
