Arsenal and Ajax are reportedly among a total of eight European clubs that are chasing the signature of highly-rated Sao Paulo youngster Antony.
Yahoo Sports Brasil have claimed that there is a lot of interest brewing in Sao Paulo star Antony. The youngster is reportedly drawing interest from Europe including Arsenal and Ajax, with as many as eight clubs interested in bringing the player over from Brazil in the summer transfer window.
Antony Matheus dos Santos has been grabbing eyeballs long before taking his senior bow at Sao Paulo. The youngster was a force to be reckoned with as Sao Paulo Under-20s won three trophies – the Brazilian Cup, the Super Cup and Copa Sao Paulo Juniors, with Antony playing a key role in each of their triumphs.
The player was also part of the Sao Paulo team that won the J League Challenge in Japan in 2018, with the 19-year-old voted as the player of the tournament. Sao Paulo soon handed him a new long-term contract while promoting him to the senior team, with the new deal set to expire in the summer of 2023.
Antony has two assists in his three senior appearances in the Brazilian league this season but is yet to net his first senior goal. But, that has not stopped the European clubs from chasing the 19-year-old’s signature. While others have not been named, Arsenal and Ajax have reportedly sent scouts to track the youngster’s progress.
Arsenal are genuinely looking to add to their wide options in attack in the summer. But, Unai Emery has to be wary of the budget, like he was during his first transfer window in charge of Arsenal, and is looking to make bargain deals like the ones done for Matteo Guendouzi and Sokratis back then.
While there have been rumours linking Arsenal with the hottest properties in Europe, Emery will likely scour for bargain deals, which makes Antony an ideal signing. The 19-year-old will add the spark that is needed in Arsenal’s attack while also being able to provide width and another threat for the opposition to deal with.
Ajax though, are as much in the race as Arsenal. The Dutch giants have shocked the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus so far this season in the Champions League. And as it stands, they are on course to reach the Champions League final, unless Arsenal’s local rivals Tottenham can make up the slim 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
Ajax could prise the player over to Netherlands citing the example of David Neres, who has grown into a sensation and is now on the radar of Premier League bigwigs, including Arsenal.
Antony has a release clause of €50 million embedded in his contract. But, Sao Paulo will be in dire need of balancing their books and could cash in on Antony, who, at the moment, seems to be the most marketable prospect at the club without putting a dent in their own squad options.
Arsenal will try to lower the fees down to an acceptable amount, should they decide to follow up on their interest. Ajax will be keen on the 19-year-old as well. Antony seems primed for big things, wherever he goes.
