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Alasdair Gold & Rob Guest & Emma de Duve

Raphinha or Richarlison? Who Antonio Conte should pick in Tottenham transfer dilemma

Tottenham's attack will have a slightly new look about it in 2022/23 with the club intent on strengthening in that area of the pitch this summer. Already boasting such a talented frontline with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski forming an eye-catching front three and with Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn as backup options, the Lilywhites need to add to the position as they lack cover for Kane and Bergwijn looks set to leave for Ajax.

Linked with a number of players in recent weeks. Everton ace Richarlison and Leeds United's Raphinha have been mentioned in regards to big-money moves to N17. Fabio Paratici is a big fan of Richarlison and Spurs are monitoring his situation with a Goodison Park exit looking likely due to their financial situation, while Tottenham are also among the many clubs to have shown an interest in Raphinha.

So which Brazilian should Tottenham move for? Our Tottenham Hotspur writers Alasdair Gold, Rob Guest and Emma de Duve have had their say below.

READ MORE: Richarlison, Raphinha, Paqueta and Tottenham's transfer search for an attacker for Antonio Conte

Alasdair Gold - Tottenham Hotspur correspondent

There's two ways to look at this. One is the practical element in that Richarlison can also cover both out wide and play as a lone striker, which would mean Spurs would not need to sign cover for Harry Kane. The other side is ability and for me, I think Raphinha is the slightly better player and would push the current Tottenham players harder for their starting spots.

Both wingers netted a similar amount of goals and assists in struggling teams, Raphinha scored one more with 11 goals, and Richarlison delivered two more assists with five. They can both produce that little bit of Brazilian magic but for me, the Leeds man just pips his Everton counterpart for being able to change a game and grab it by the scruff of the neck.

There will be competition for both players. Spurs can offer Champions League football, Arsenal can offer starting spots. With either player, if they were to sign, Spurs would end up with someone who can improve their squad.

Rob Guest - Tottenham Hotspur reporter

Tottenham have two quality options to choose from in Richarlison and Raphinha but there is one deal that makes complete sense. As good an addition as the Leeds United man would be due to his skill, trickery and quality in the final third, Richarlison should be the player Spurs move for.

An Everton exit looks increasingly likely due to the club's current financial situation and the attacker certainly won't be short of options. A major reason for the Toffees securing Premier League survival after delivering some huge performances and scoring crucial goals against Leicester, Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the run-in, the 25-year-old's 11 strikes and five assists in his 33 games in all competitions last term was a decent return considering Everton's struggles.

Capable of playing across the frontline, Richarlison would be able to fill in for Harry Kane through the middle when Spurs' star man needs a rest or operate either side of the England captain. A player who will fight and work extremely hard for the team, do his bit defensively and also has a bit of devilment in his game that Tottenham require, Richarlison fits the mould as an Antonio Conte player and the Spurs boss could take him to even greater heights.

Talk of a move for Richarlison may have split the fanbase but Everton's No.7 would win everyone over.

Emma de Duve - Tottenham Hotspur reporter

A tricky choice to make as I believe both players could bring some benefits to Conte's Tottenham squad. There is no denying the quality that both have, but I think it is more a case of who will be a better fit at Spurs.

Raphinha proved last season he can be a threat in the final third and could be a solid player to have for rotation in Conte's attacking line. However, where I believe Richarlison has the upper hand is his versatility.

If Tottenham secured a deal for Raphinha, he could bring quality on the right, but it would mean more attacking players would still be needed. Whereas bringing Richarlison to N17 would give the Italian the versatility to utilise the Brazilian in more than one position in the front three.

This would perhaps take the pressure off finding multiple other reinforcements and would mean Conte has a player in Richarlison who can adapt and add quality.

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