According to a recent report by Goal.com, Arsenal are keeping tabs on the development of Sao Paulo winger Antony. However, the same source has also mentioned that the Gunners could face stiff competition from AFC Ajax in pursuit of the Brazilian youngster, who is rated around €30m by Sao Paulo.
Antony has put in some outstanding displays in Brazil which has seen his club tie him down on a new contract which runs out in the summer of 2023. So the Brazilian outfit will be under no pressure to sell their prized asset unless an offer comes in that meets their demands.
The South American wonderkid began his career at his boyhood club, Sao Paulo before working his way up the club’s youth ranks. Within the past couple of years, the youngster has gone from playing in Sao Paulo’s Under-17 team to featuring for their senior side this season.
His remarkable rise to the top has been nothing short of sensational. However, at 19, he is still quite a raw talent who needs to be nurtured in the right environment so that he can unlock his real potential.
Antony is versatile enough to play on either flank and is quite skilful while in possession of the ball. He is a real live wire and can be quite unpredictable in the attacking end of the pitch. There is no doubt that he is a player who can be nurtured into a world-class winger, but for now, the Brazilian sensation still has a lot to learn on the pitch.
Unai Emery’s side could benefit from acquiring a player of Antony’s potential as the Spanish manager currently has just Alex Iwobi as the only natural winger in his squad. Arsenal are in dire need of more gifted talents down the wide areas as they look to rebuild their squad further in the off-season.
Antony has a very promising career ahead of him, but truth be told, he is better off staying in Brazil for now. He should have a far better chance of featuring for Sao Paulo’s first-team every week rather than proving his worth and securing a regular starting berth at the Emirates Stadium.
However, for Arsenal, the Brazilian’s potential acquisition could prove to be a step in the right direction towards a bigger and brighter future at the North London club.
