Chelsea are reportedly set to compete with Manchester United in the race to sign Ajax starlet Antony this summer.
According to a report by 90 min, Chelsea have initiated discussions with Antony over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge. They have contacted the player’s representatives and are hopeful of beating Manchester United in the race to sign the Ajax forward ahead of the new season.
The news of Chelsea’s interest should add a new twist to Antony’s transfer saga that has been dominated by Manchester United so far. Many even consider the Brazilian to be Erik ten Hag’s main attacking target in this transfer window, with the former Ajax manager keen on a reunion at Old Trafford.
Antony and ten Hag worked together at Ajax for two years, much to the success of both parties. The forward has racked up 20 goals and 22 assists during his time in Amsterdam, helping the Dutch giants perform well in both domestic and European competitions.
Antony himself is reportedly pushing for a move to Manchester United, in order to reunite with ten Hag. However, the interest from Chelsea could potentially alter the equation for multiple reasons.
The Blues are in the market for a new forward this summer amid uncertainties over the future of Christian Pulisic. Although Liverpool appear to have abandoned their pursuit of the USMNT international, there is a feeling the winger might leave Chelsea after struggling to impose himself under Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea are also expected to offload Timo Werner, who has not performed up to the expectations after joining from RB Leipzig. While a return to the Bundesliga might not be a possibility for Werner, he could be in for a surprise move to Liverpool, if recent reports are to be believed.
The Blues are looking to strengthen their options by targeting a move for Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco. But in Antony, they could find themselves with a far more dynamic alternative, who has a much higher ceiling.
A move to Stamford Bridge could come with its own incentive for Antony himself, as Chelsea can offer UEFA Champions League football, unlike Manchester United. His dynamism and pace out wide should also make him a far more tactically compatible option for Tuchel, making him an ideal signing for the west Londoners.
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That said, Antony does share a close relationship with ten Hag, and with that in mind, it will be surprising to see him miss out on a summer switch to Manchester United this summer.