Arsenal shows interest in Antony. Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) has gradually been pushed out of the spotlight as a potential signing for Arsenal. The European football scene is rapidly changing ahead of the summer transfer market.

Pitch Hairs reported on the 11th (Korea time) that "Antony's future is getting closer to Real Betis, and Arsenal is considering him as a top transfer target.

Pitch Hairs noted, "Antony regained his vitality through a loan to Real Betis and has established himself as a key attacking resource for the team," adding that "Arsenal is in a situation where side reinforcements are needed and is highly valuing Antony's adaptability in La Liga and recent performance. The club is willing to make significant investments as well."

The Brazil-born Antony left Ajax and joined Manchester United during the summer transfer market of 2022. The transfer fee was a staggering $86 million (150 billion won). The connection with coach Erik Ten Hag, who he worked with at Ajax, raised expectations, but there were also considerable concerns about overpaying at the time.

As a result, fans' concerns became a reality. Antony showed a decent start with 8 goals and 3 assists in 44 official matches during his first season, 2022-2023. However, from the second season, his performance sharply declined.

In the 2023-2024 season, he managed only 3 goals and 2 assists in 38 matches, facing criticism from Manchester United fans, and coach Ten Hag gradually reduced his starting appearances. This season, Antony has played only 14 matches for Manchester United, recording just 1 goal.

However, he seized the opportunity for a turnaround in the winter transfer market. Antony chose a loan move to Real Betis, and this choice proved to be correct.

He made an impressive debut, being selected as the man of the match (MOTM) despite not scoring, and he continued to impress in the match against Celta Vigo, winning MOTM in consecutive matches. Following that, he recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in 12 matches, leading Betis to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League.

As a result of this performance, interest in Antony has surged. His loan club, Betis, hopes for a permanent transfer, while Real Sociedad is also watching Antony as a new attacking resource. With Arsenal joining in, the competition for Antony's transfer in the summer market is heating up.

On the other hand, the scenario for Lee Kang-in's move to Arsenal is becoming dim. Foot01 reported on the 3rd that "A new star from Paris Saint-Germain is preparing to leave the team during the summer transfer market,” noting that "Arsenal wants Lee Kang-in, and PSG has allowed the transfer. It is highly likely that Lee Kang-in will leave Paris next season."

Lee Kang-in has been mentioned as a target for major Premier League clubs since January.

Not only Arsenal but also Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly keeping an eye on Lee Kang-in, but recently Arsenal has completely shifted its focus to Antony. Under the same goal of reinforcing side resources, it is argued that priority has been given to the La Liga-proven Antony over Lee Kang-in.

This dynamic is likely to have a significant impact on the future moves of both players. Antony's performance and adaptability at Real Betis are driving his market value back up, which could negatively affect Lee Kang-in. This could serve as a representative example of how impactful real performance is on transfer market value.

This summer's transfer market could be a dramatic turning point for both Asian and South American technicians, Lee Kang-in and Antony. While it is still uncertain who Arsenal's final choice will be, current trends indicate an advantage for Antony. Lee Kang-in's attempts to enter the Premier League now require a new strategy.

[OSEN]