Watford star refuses to rule out exit amid £48m Chelsea, Arsenal links

Oli Fisher

Watford star Richarlison refused to rule out a possible summer exit amid reported interest from a trio of London clubs.

The 20-year-old has dazzled since joining the Premier League last summer, when he penned a five-year deal with the Hornets.

Reports last month from Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte claimed Richarlison was “ready to jump” with the former Fluminense forward only persuaded to join Watford in the first place by former Coach Marco Silva.

Richarlison has apparently let the Hornets’ hierarchy that he is unhappy with the sacking of Silva, who was replaced by Javi Gracia earlier in the month. Watford are believed to value him at €55million (£48m).

Asked about the apparent possibility of joining Chelsea, Richarlison told the Evening Standard: “In the future you never know but I leave all things like that up to my agents.

“At the moment my head is completely in Watford. I am not thinking about anything else and I want to help the team get as far as possible in the League. That is my objective, that is my focus and nothing else.”

Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with a move for Richalison, who admitted he would prefer to stay in the Premier League.

“I want to play in this country for as long as possible,” he added.

“It is a great League and has been a great experience for me. I want to improve and playing in England can help me do that.”

 

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