Tottenham announce Richarlison transfer despite Chelsea trying to 'hijack' deal

Spurs have announced the Brazilian's arrival, with the forward penning a five-year contract with the north London club that runs to 2027.

The deal is believed to be worth a total of £60million - an initial £50m with £10m in add-ons.

Richarlison had joined the Toffees from Watford in 2018 for £35m, and went on to scored 53 goals in 153 games.

In total, the ex-Watford forward has 48 goals in 173 appearances in the Premier League having joined the Hornets from Brazilian giants Fluminense in 2017.

Spurs have been busy in the transfer market so far this summer with the signings of Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster.

There was potentially a late complication to the deal, though, as Chelsea made an attempt to hijack the move, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

That move was made before a full agreement had been reached, but Spurs were able to agree their £60m total package and complete the signing.

They are also aiming to complete the signings of Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet on loan and Middlesborough's Djed Spence imminently.

Bizarrely, Tottenham announced Richarlison's arrival with a montage of his best goals… against Spurs - having done the same when they signed Bissouma earlier in the summer window.

Manager Antonio Conte has been backed in the transfer market by Daniel Levy and former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes it is a good deal all round.

The White and Jordan host said: "Giving him the opportunity to build a squad. He has a formidable front line of five players like Liverpool and other teams have.

"It is required when you have someone like Conte in the building. It's a reasonable transaction. It's certainly a reasonable transaction for Everton.

"They've [Tottenham] got Champions League, so there's some extra revenue. It's all round decent business and I think Conte will make him a better player."

"It's a massive statement from Spurs," former Charlton, Chelsea and West Ham defender Scott Minto said on talkSPORT Breakfast after the deal was confirmed.

"There's no way they would have finished fourth last season if Antonio Conte hadn't been brought in, and he clearly said to the club, 'If I get you fourth, what are you going to do for me?'

"Over to you Daniel Levy, he's then said, '£150m, there you go', and they're buying early.

"Everton haven't had their pants pulled down, but with Chelsea also in the mix, sometimes you just have to pay a little bit more and make a statement.

"They're buying early and getting the players in for pre-season… I'm not saying they're going to challenge the top two, but Spurs fans should be very happy right now."

Former England star Trevor Sinclair agreed that it's a superb deal for Tottenham, and the move could see Richarlison produce his best football.

"I think it's great business," the talkSPORT pundit added. "He's done the hard graft at Everton to earn the right to get this move.

"And you look at Spurs now, the stadium, the training facilities, the platform of the club, and Richarlison will be excited by it.

"I think we can see the best of Richarlison at Spurs."