Manchester United’s hunt for a striker is on hold until INEOS manage to move players on and raise capital for further reinvestment.
Antony was earmarked as one of the first to depart after the Brazilian spent the last six months out on loan at Real Betis.
The 25-year-old proved to be a game-changer for the Spanish side, netting nine times while also registering five assists in 26 games as he took Betis to an unlikely UEFA Conference League final.
His form has attracted the interest of several European bigwigs including Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, but Betis are keen to hold on to their talisman for the long-term.
Antony on the move
They have offered the Red Devils another loan deal, but INEOS are keen to take advantage of the Brazil international’s improved form and sell him to the highest bidder.
The La Liga side held meetings with United to try and convince United of the merits of another loan deal, which could see his market value rise even further.
But the co-owners are aware that the ex-Ajax star’s purple patch might end, or he might get injured, and hence are pushing for a permanent exit.
Now, as per The Daily Mail, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are ready to break their transfer record to land the United misfit.
Real Betis preparing record-breaking offer
They are planning a loan offer, but this time with an option to buy for £35 million. The team from Villamarin Stadium have never spent more than £25 million on a single player.
“Real Betis want further talks with Manchester United over a proposed deal for winger Antony following his successful loan spell.
“Betis are proposing another loan with option to buy around £35million.”
While the money being offered is definitely a lot more than INEOS would have hoped to recoup when his loan deal was sanctioned, they are likely to push for an obligation to buy instead of just an option.
Feature image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
