Carlo Ancelotti has said Everton will resist any approach for Richarlison in the summer as the “complete striker” is under contract until 2024 and a key part of the club’s plans for the future.

The Brazil international signed a new five-year contract at Goodison Park in December when the former manager, Marco Silva, claimed Manchester United were one of several clubs interested in the 22-year-old. Everton this week dismissed reports of an £85m bid from Barcelona for the player – club officials insist there was no contact from Catalonia – but, after record losses of almost £112m for the year to June 2019 were announced, Richarlison does represent one of the few profitable assets from their lavish spending under Farhad Moshiri.

Ancelotti, however, insists Everton intend to build around the former Watford forward, who is fit to face that club on Saturday, and are in a position to reject any offer for his services this summer.

The Everton manager said: “I don’t think it will be difficult to resist because it is enough to say no. There is no possibility because Richarlison is an important part of the future of Everton like the other young players we have – Pickford, Holgate, Kean, Keane, Calvert-Lewin. We have a lot of young players. This is the base from which the club has to build the future. And Richarlison is part of it. Everything can happen in football. If an offer arrives that you cannot refuse, and it is an offer that can improve the squad, then why not? But, now, I can say Richarlison is an important part. With Barcelona you can do an exchange, no? [Laughs.] They have a lot of fantastic players but I’m not nominating anyone!”

Richarlison has scored 21 goals in 57 Premier League appearances for Everton since his £40m arrival from Vicarage Road and Ancelotti believes there is more improvement to come.

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He added: “I was not here when he renewed [his contract] but the fact that he renewed made me happy because he’s a fantastic player. He can play everywhere. He’s a modern striker in my opinion. Technically he can improve but his movement is really good, his heading is fantastic, I was surprised, and he has a lot of power in his legs. He is a really complete striker but technically I think he can improve. In the control and in the controlling movement he can improve. This is the target with him.”

Ancelotti confirmed André Gomes is on schedule to face Arsenal on 23 February, less than four months after suffering a fracture dislocation to his right ankle. Jean-Philippe Gbamin, however, who has made only two appearances since his £25m summer signing, is facing another eight weeks out as he needs surgery to remove scar tissue from a thigh injury.