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Manchester United’s disastrous Premier League season means INEOS must act ruthlessly in the summer to back Ruben Amorim and try to fix things.
This includes moving multiple players on, including players who are on fire for their loan clubs, like Antony. The Brazilian has eight goals and five assists since his January move to Real Betis.
Naturally, his form has attracted a lot of interest, with Arsenal emerging as shock suitors while Barcelona have recently entered the fray as have Juventus.
Betis are also eager to keep a hold of the 25-year-old but are only offering another loan proposal, much like the Catalans.
Lots of suitors for Antony
The Red Devils are looking at a permanent exit given the player’s improved form means a greater chance at recouping a larger fee.
United had paid an astonish €95 million for the Brazilian on former boss Erik ten Hag’s orders and safe to say, that move turned out to be a disaster.
His stock had plummeted at Old Trafford but his scintillating loan spell has raised hopes at board level of earning a large fee with the 20-time English league champions reportedly asking for as much as €50 million for the ex-Ajax ace.
Atletico Madrid are keen and have even proposed an initial offer close to €40 million. Now, Football Espana have claimed the Rojiblancos are keen to initiate face-to-face talks with both the player and his parent club in order to agree a summer deal.
Interestingly, Diego Simeone’s side are also after another United wide man in Alejandro Garnacho, but United have slapped a €77 million price tag on the Argentine given his age and potential.
Atletico eyeing Antony over Garnacho
Chelsea and Napoli are already circling and Atletico do not think they have the financial muscle to pull off a deal for the Carrington graduate and hence, are likely to focus on acquiring Antony instead.
“After previous reports that Atletico Madrid had enquired about Antony’s availability, sources close to Football España can confirm that Los Rojiblancos are planning to hold talks with United after gathering information on him, and making contact with his camp.
“Los Colchoneros are also keen on United winger Alejandro Garnacho, but the cost of the deal is thought to be a major obstacle.”
It will be intriguing to see who ultimately signs Antony and what sort of fee INEOS receive for the sale as another loan arrangement looks unlikely at present.
Feature image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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