Serie A giants Juventus could reportedly battle Manchester United and Bayern Munich for the signature of Ajax attacker Antony in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Juventus are ready to wage a transfer battle with Manchester United and Bayern Munich to land Ajax trickster Antony in the summer.
The 22-year-old Brazilian winger is quickly emerging as one of the brightest young attacking prospects in not only Europe but world football following his move to Ajax from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo for around €18 million in 2020.
The right-winger has been in great form this season, notching 12 goals and ten assists in all competitions, surpassing his tally of 20 goal contributions (10 goals, 10 assists) from last season. The Brazilian international has helped Ajax to the top of the Eredivisie table and reach the Dutch Cup final.
Not only has Antony been impressive domestically for the Dutch giants, but he has also starred on the Champions League stage this term, scoring twice and registering four assists in the group stages before their European campaign was prematurely cut short in the Round of 16.
Needless to say, the 22-year-old Ajax forward has emerged as a hot prospect in the transfer market following his exploits, with multiple top clubs across Europe vying for his services heading into the upcoming summer transfer window. Juventus, for one, have already sounded out the Brazilian forward’s entourage in an attempt to play their cards early ahead of other top clubs.
With Paulo Dybala heading towards the exit door at the end of the season, Juventus are on the lookout for a suitable replacement and have identified several domestic targets, including Giacomo Raspadori and Nicolo Zaniolo. But Ajax’s Antony name has now surfaced as an overseas alternative for the Serie A giants.
Dybala’s departure will leave a significant gap in the Bianconeri’s attack, given his consistent output when fit. Antony has that type of goalscoring potency from the flanks and could be a good match.
However, the Serie A club is not alone in the chase for the striker’s services. Manchester United, for one, are keen on securing a double swoop from Ajax by bringing Antony and Ten Hag to Old Trafford this summer.
With Mason Greenwood’s situation at the club currently unclear, Jesse Lingard set to depart, and Marcus Rashford’s Old Trafford future up in the air, Manchester United are set to consider several attacking reinforcements this summer. Antony’s ability to come inside from the right wing and score goals is said to have captivated the Red Devils.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are considering a move for the Brazilian if Serge Gnabry does not sign a new contract. Bayern wants to extend Gnabry’s contract. Those talks have proven difficult; Gnabry has followed suit of players such as Kingsley Coman, who have earned a significant pay rise following a contract stand-off, and the German international wants a similar hike.
Apart from Juventus, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, PSG are also keeping tabs on the Brazilian maverick’s situation and eye him as a potential successor to Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe. Despite Antony’s remarkable success over the last 18 months and being tied under contract at Ajax until 2025, the report states Ajax are only asking for €35 million for his services this summer, which would be a steal for any top European club.
