A replacement for Hazard? Why Chelsea must go all out for Watford’s versatile Brazilian flair star

Why Chelsea must go all out for Watford attacker Richarlison

Chelsea were interested in a move for Watford attacker Richarlison during the January transfer window but the deal did not materialise. With the upcoming summer window ahead of us, the club could be looking to revive their interest in the young Brazilian, who has been a sensational figure in the Premier League this season.

Known to be an incredibly versatile player, Richarlison has been an important player for the Hornets but should Chelsea make a serious attempt towards signing him?

With reports fuelling rumours of Eden Hazard’s possible move to Real Madrid, Chelsea could use fresh blood in the left-wing role. Although the Watford man can play across a variety of positions, he is primarily a left-winger. If Hazard were to leave, Richarlison could prove to be a promising addition in that department.

Much like Hazard, the 20-year-old is blessed with blistering pace and is quite creative when it comes to goalscoring. Despite being used in about five different positions this season, Richarlison has managed to score 10 goals and provide 5 assists.

Signing Richarlison could prove to be beneficial even if Hazard were to stay back. Right now, it has been a while since we have seen Alvaro Morata play as the central striker for Chelsea. Despite having arrived at Stamford Bridge on the back of a highly-anticipated summer deal last year, Morata’s power has fizzled out miserably and there has been a lot of drama between him and the club in that regard.

It is unsure as to whether or not they will keep him beyond the end of this season but as of now, Hazard has been playing the role of the centre-forward. The likes of Pedro and Willian occupy either wing and Richarlison could fit right into that system as well.

Furthermore, his inclusion will certainly provide Antonio Conte with another option on the left-hand side. Besides playing as a winger, Richarlison can also play across several midfield positions, meaning Conte could kill two birds with one stone by signing him.

So this is a deal that could prove to be extremely advantageous for Chelsea and it is something Conte must definitely push for. Richarlison is a supremely talented player with loads of potential and the chance to move to a powerhouse side like the Blues will help him grow and develop as a player. It could, in fact, become a win-win situation for all parties involved and is definitely an option worth exploring for the London-based outfit.