Chelsea Register Interest In Highly-Rated Ajax Winger: Does Tuchel Really Need Him?

Recent reports from Spanish media outlet Fichajes claim that Chelsea are keen on signing Ajax starlet Antony in the upcoming transfer window as Thomas Tuchel looks set to add to his attacking options.

‘One of the rivals in the Premier who aspires to intervene in the wishes of Manchester United. Tuchel’s team urgently needs reinforcements, and it is that between the UEFA sanctions and the rumours about the departure of Romelu Lukaku after having paid a real millionaire, they have set off the alarms of the Stamford Bridge team. Antony has become a more than valid option, although Chelsea is in the absolute background in this operation.’ – The translated version of the report stated.

Nonetheless, Manchester United are still the front-runner for the Brazilian’s signature as Erik Ten Hag wishes to bring him to Old Trafford as a part of the rebuild project.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also in the race for his services.

Having come through the ranks at Brasiliero Serie A side Sao Paulo FC, Antony signed for Dutch giants Ajax in the summer of 2020 for a fee in the region of $17.33 million. He enjoyed a successful debut campaign in the Netherlands, but the 2021/22 season has seen him exceed all expectations in terms of quality and productivity.

Besides netting 12 goals and ten assists in thirty-three appearances across all competitions, Antony has managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board – averaging 3.4 shots, 1.8 dribbles, 1.6 key passes, and 1.1 crosses per 90 minutes in the Eredivisie. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.50, the 22-year-old has been one of the best players on his side this far. Needless to say, if he manages to keep up with the statistics at the Stamford Bridge, he’d be a dream signing for the Blues.

Does Tuchel Really Need Him?

Chelsea are currently unable to sign or sell players due to the sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich, who put the club up for sale at the beginning of March. So, it would be fair to say that signing the in-demand Osasco-born star is a far-off dream for the Blues until and unless the ownership issues are resolved.

Christian Pulisic has been consistently inconsistent in the blue shirt, whereas Timo Werner has been linked with a summer exit. Besides, Romelu Lukaku has been struggling to adapt to Tuchel’s style of play ever since his arrival from Inter Milan. The sanctions have put Chelsea on the back foot, but there’s no denying that Tuchel needs to add more reliable options to his attack if he wishes to mount a title challenge next season.

(Stats from WhoScored)