Manchester City closely following Ajax’s highly-rated talent

According to a report from Spanish outlet ElNacional, Manchester City are monitoring Ajax sensation Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony.

A product of the famed Sao Paulo academy, Antony, 21, signed for Ajax last year as a replacement for Hakim Ziyech, who had already departed for Chelsea. His transition from South American football to European football has been quick, with the youngster impressing in his debut campaign with Ajax.

The Brazilian under-23 international netted nine goals and supplied eight assists on top of that in 32 Eredivisie games last term. After a solid debut campaign in European football, Antony was part of the Brazil side that won the Gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics earlier this summer.

The 21-year-old’s eye-catching displays for the Dutch giants have caught the eyes of several elite European clubs such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, claims ElNacional. Manchester City are also hot on the heels of Antony, who has drawn comparisons to fellow compatriot Neymar.

The Cityzens broke the British transfer record in the summer by signing Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in a £100m deal. That turned out to be the only acquisition for Pep Guardiola’s club, regardless of being linked with Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane throughout the summer transfer window.

There were a few Manchester City stars that were linked with a summer exit, including Raheem Sterling and Bernardo, who were both wanted by Barcelona. Sterling has started just two Premier League games so far this season, with Jack Grealish seemingly replacing him in Guardiola’s starting XI. Given Sterling’s uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium, it makes sense for the Sky Blues to keep an eye on someone like Antony.

Antony is a right-winger by trade but can also play off the left when required. The Brazilian is a young, dynamic talent who has a bright future ahead of him. He could be viewed as a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva, who was linked with a shock move to Arsenal.

Silva, 27, was told he was free to leave the Etihad Stadium if they receive a suitable offer in the recent past transfer window. While an exit didn’t materialise, the Portuguese playmaker could very much seek to leave the club next year.

Antony’s current market value stands at €25million and Ajax are in no hurry to sell him, the report concludes. However, should he continue doing well for Ajax in the next few months leading to the January transfer window, the youngster is certain to attract more interest from top European clubs.