Manchester United are reportedly prepared to step up their pursuit of in-demand Ajax attacker Antony, who is also a target for Chelsea.
According to 90 min, Manchester United are ready to rival Chelsea, Liverpool and others in the race to sign Antony. The 21-year-old Ajax forward has emerged as a hot prospect in the transfer market, with multiple top clubs across Europe vying for his services heading into the upcoming summer transfer window.
Manchester United are no exception, as they are said to be huge admirers of the young frontman, who is keen on making a move to the Premier League next season. Manchester United are rivalled by Chelsea and Liverpool, among others in the pursuit of the Brazilian, but the Red Devils are expected to intensify their pursuit in an attempt to land the star player in the summer.
A product of the Sao Paulo youth academy, Antony joined Ajax in the summer of 2020 for a fee of just €15 million. In just 18 months time, the explosive forward has proven to be a success, having been involved in almost 40 goals in just 71 competitive appearances.
While his tally of nine goals and eight assists in Eredivisie last season was quite impressive, the 21-year-old has upped his game to a greater degree this time around. The winger has been particularly impressive in the UEFA Champions League, scoring two goals while assisting four more in five matches. His contributions in the final third were critical in helping Ajax leapfrog Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund to top Group C.
Antony’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with major European clubs interested in securing his services. Barcelona, for one, were linked with a move for the Brazilian last month, but the player appears to favour the Premier League.
Manchester United have emerged as a potential destination as they to move on from Mason Greenwood following his recent controversy. The Red Devils are also preparing for a future without some of their other attacking stars, including Jesse Lingard, a target for Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Newcastle United.
The addition of Antony, to that end, could potentially help Manchester United reinforce their attacking unit. The offensive combination between him, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho could form the base of the club’s future attack, although it remains to be seen if the Red Devils can truly afford the Ajax starlet, who is set to cost a fortune next summer.
But with Chelsea also in the hunt to sign the 21-year-old, Manchester United will need to firm up their interest further. The Blues could offload Christian Pulisic in the summer to make room for Antony, thereby explaining their interest in him. And with clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City also linked with him, the race to sign the Brazilian international could heat up soon.