Barcelona will unlikely pursue a move for 22-year-old Brazilian international Antony, with Raphinha reportedly their priority target.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Antony is considered too expensive for Barcelona to pursue a move in the summer transfer window. The Blaugrana will instead prioritise securing the services of another Brazilian international in Raphinha ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Antony has established himself as one of the most eye-catching attackers in Europe since joining Ajax from Sao Paulo in July 2020. The 22-year-old has expertly filled the void left by the departure of Hakim Ziyech, taking no time to establish himself as a key figure for the Dutch giants.
Antony has a solid record of 22 goals and 20 assists in 79 appearances across all competitions for Ajax and has also become a full-fledged Brazilian international at the same time. Over the last two years, the player’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona reportedly being one of his prospective suitors.
Barcelona could be forced to enter the market for a wide-attacker in the summer transfer window, as Ousmane Dembele is no closer to committing his long-term future to them. At the same time, uncertainties loom over Adama Traore’s position, with the Spanish international’s potential permanent transfer to Barcelona not guaranteed.
Antony has thus emerged as a viable target for Barcelona, with compatriot Dani Alves pushing the Blaugrana to sign the 22-year-old Brazilian international. But the cost of signing the Ajax winger could force Barcelona to set sights on alternatives, with the player deemed too expensive.
Barcelona will instead prioritise a move for Antony’s compatriot Raphinha, with a bid reportedly lodged already. However, Leeds United will ask the Brazilian international’s prospective suitors to trigger his €75 million release clause to sign him, which complicates Barcelona’s pursuit.
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For now, though, what seems to be certain is that Barcelona will unlikely launch the offensive for Antony in the summer transfer window, with Raphinha their priority target. So, it remains to be seen if the 22-year-old Brazilian international will attract other suitors or stay put at Ajax heading into the 2022/23 season.
