"A strange one" - Jack Wilshere brands reported Arsenal target as 'immature' and 'petulant'

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere celebrates during a match.

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has stated that he feels Everton forward Richarlison is one of the best players around, but also believes him to be slightly peevish and immature.

As per a report from GOAL close to a month ago, the Gunners were keeping an eye on the Brazilian. However, football.london reported earlier this month that Richarlison had rejected the possibility of him moving to the Emirates. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also rumored to be weighing up a move for the 25-year-old.

Wilshere, who turned out 197 times across competitions for Arsenal after rising through their youth ranks, recently spoke about Richarlison. He believes the Everton winger is an excellent player but also criticised him for aspects of his attitude.

While rating the Gunners' rumored transfer targets for this summer, Wilshere told talkSPORT EDGE (as quoted by the Mirror):

"Richarlison is a strange one. I think he's a top, top player. There's obviously something there but he's had his problems on the pitch. He's a little bit petulant and immature. Sometimes I quite like that, it shows he cares and is passionate."

🗣 "He's a little bit petulant and immature. Sometimes I quite like that, it shows he cares and is passionate." 💪

🔴 Jack Wilshere has rated 8️⃣ Arsenal transfer targets including Everton star Richarlison

mirror.co.uk/sport/football… https://t.co/UyYJHoygTr

The Englishman went on to add:

"I think he deserves his chance at a top club. I would actually quite like to see him at Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta – 8/10."

Richarlison's current deal with Everton runs until 2024. The Toffees could consequently command a large transfer fee for the winger, with Transfermarkt suggesting that his current market value is £43.2 million.

Rumored Arsenal target Richarlison was key for Everton's survival last season

Richarlison was one of Everton's key players as they avoided dropping into the EFL Championship for the first time in their Premier League history in the 2021-22 season. The forward scored 10 times in 30 Premier League matches, with four of them and an assist coming in his final seven games.

Overall, he has scored 53 goals and laid out 14 assists in 152 matches across all competitions for the Toffees. The Brazilian has been a part of 173 Premier League games till date, scoring 48 goals and giving 16 assists for Watford and the Toffees.

🔑 Richarlison was directly responsible for 35% of the goals Everton scored in the Premier League last season https://t.co/jEa774r9QE

Richarlison has also won 36 caps for Brazil, netting 14 times and providing six assists. He was part of their squad that lifted the 2019 Copa America and won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, ending up as the top scorer in the latter competition.