Jack Wilshere Claims Richarlison Wouldn't Get In Arsenal's Starting XI

Jack Wilshere has given off the biggest "well I didn't fancy her anyway" energy by claiming Richarlison wouldn't get in Arsenal's starting XI.

Richarlison has been linked with a move to north London for a number of weeks, and at first it was interest from Arsenal that looked most intense.

However, the lack of Champions League football was said to have put him off and instead it was Tottenham Hotspur who swooped in to sign him.

That move was confirmed on Friday morning, after an excellent transfer tease from the club on social media, giving a further boost to Antonio Conte's team.

Clearly not all Arsenal fans are too bothered about missing out on the former Everton star though, with Wilshere dismissing the idea he'd have got into Mikel Arteta's team.

"Yeah but I don’t think he gets in the XI," the former England midfielder said on talkSPORT when asked if he'd have taken Richarlison at Arsenal.

"He’d definitely challenge for it and be a good part of the squad but I don’t think he gets in the XI."

It's official 🔥 #WelcomeRicharlison pic.twitter.com/pC6IOv2kLp

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 1, 2022

The club don't currently have a striker other than Eddie Nketiah, who has been criticised, after the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette this year.

They are on the verge of signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, with Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli their main options as the wide men outside the front man.

Wilshere explained exactly why he doesn't fancy Richarlison to get in ahead of any of those forwards, adding, "I think he improves the squad, definitely… he gives them something different. I wouldn’t say I’m gutted [he’s not signed for Arsenal]. He’s 25, so not young.

"There comes a point where you’re going to have to turn that potential into something but to be fair if any one can do it, it’s Antonio Conte. I wouldn’t say I’m devastated as an Arsenal fan but he could be one to watch, he could be really good."

If Richarlison does work out really well, and Conte gets the best out him, and Spurs somehow manage to win the league, then Wilshere is moving to Australia.

👀 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝘆: “If Spurs won the #PL…”

🇦🇺 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸: “I’m moving to Australia!”

Jack Wilshere reveals he’d make a swift escape, if #THFC ever won the #PL. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/HirdpUGYtC

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 30, 2022

Wilshere has a history of trying to get the better of his side's north London rivals when it comes to banter, with his famous 'what do we think of Tottenham' chant, and Richarlison is no stranger to that kind of rivalry.

The former Watford player certainly got amongst it during his time on Merseyside, as he often mocked Liverpool, despite their much more successful spell than Everton.

Richarlison certainly wasn't one for holding back after Jurgen Klopp's side lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid, having failed to usurp Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table a week earlier.