Chelsea could ‘match bid’ for key Man Utd target at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea could feasibly come in and match any bid Manchester United make for Ajax winger Antony this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 22-year-old has been the subject of intense interest from the Red Devils in recent weeks but could find himself at the centre of a transfer tussle if the Blues step up their interest.

What is the latest news involving Antony?

Fabrizio Romano reported back in June that United have a ‘genuine interest’ in reuniting Antony with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

However, their initial attempts to do so have ended in disappointment, with GOAL revealing that a €60 million (£51m) bid has been rejected by the Amsterdam giants, who are holding out for €80m (£68m).

And United’s attempted to secure Antony’s signature could face further complications after 90min disclosed that Chelsea are among the sides to have recently held talks with the player’s representatives.

It’s claimed that the capital club have been monitoring the Brazil international’s situation as they continue to search for attacking reinforcements.

Chelsea’s attempts to sign Raphinha from Leeds United ended in disappointment after the player opted to join Barcelona, forcing Thomas Tuchel to focus his attention on alternative targets.

What has Jones said about Antony?

United are yet to reach an agreement with Ajax over Antony’s valuation, and it remains to be seen if they will return with a second offer.

But if they did start to ‘make progress’, Jones believes Chelsea could put identical terms on the negotiating table, giving the South American a ‘decision to make’.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think if Man United started to make progress on it, and it looked like they were actually getting somewhere, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Chelsea came in and matched the bid to give him a decision to make. So, I think that that’s feasible that it could be on the horizon.”

Would Antony be a good signing?

Antony has registered 22 goals and 20 assists in 79 appearances for Ajax since arriving from boyhood club Sao Paulo in July 2020, claiming two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch Cup. And his underlying numbers are equally as eye-catching.

As per FBref, the right-winger has ranked in the 99th percentile for total shots and progressive passes received, 98th for progressive carries and interceptions, and the 96^th for expected assists amongst his positional peers over the last year.

It’s easy to understand why both Chelsea and United are eager to bring him to Antony to English shores, therefore, and Tuchel will surely be hoping he doesn’t miss out on another Brazilian attacker this summer.

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