Arsenal are among the clubs linked with a surprise move for Brazilian Antony this summer – Manchestree United will suffer a huge loss in the event of a sale.
Arsenal are expected to have a busy summer with several attacking reinforcements in the pipeline, and now they are linked with a shock purchase of Manchester United winger Antony, who is currently on loan at Real Betis.
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The supporters are demanding a new number nine, and new sporting director Andrea Berta is working to secure Sporting CP’s goal thief Viktor Gyökeres. But the Gunners also need more variety and unpredictability on the wings to strengthen their attacking play.
Mikel Arteta is a well-known admirer of Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, while Rafael Leão and Ademola Lookman are also believed to be on the club’s radar. However, few supporters had expected Antony to be a possible candidate for the planned attacking renewal before the 2025/26 season.
According to Brazilian UOL, Arsenal are among several clubs that have shown interest in a summer transfer for Antony. United’s second-most expensive signing ever failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford and was loaned to Betis in the January window.
After escaping the immense pressure of Manchester, Antony has blossomed in Spain under Manuel Pellegrini. The winger has five assists in 12 La Liga appearances and is a key player in Betis’ fight for a place in the Conference League final. He impressed in the round of 16 against Vitória Guimarães and scored in the 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of the semi-finals.
Despite his success in La Liga, Antony has no future at United, and a permanent transfer is expected this summer. Signed under Erik ten Hag in 2022 for a whopping £86 million, United have no chance of recouping a fraction of that sum. A sale of around £25-35 million is more likely, but his good form at Betis has increased his value considerably.
While Arsenal are rumored to be interested, a move back to La Liga is also a possibility. Atlético Madrid are also said to be on the lookout, and Betis will likely try to negotiate a permanent deal.
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