Antony has reportedly gone on strike at Ajax, in a bid to force a move to Manchester United before the summer transfer window closes.
The 22-year-old has made it known that he wishes to leave the Dutch champions in the current market, with the forward recently addressing his situation in an exclusive interview with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
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“Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer,” Antony told Romano.
“In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for two seasons.
“During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave.
“Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived! Ajax refused with argument that they only have five days to replace me.”
Man United are said to have had their latest bid of around £76m rejected by Ajax, who are said to be holding out for a deal of £85m.
Antony has had a successful start to the 2022-23 season, scoring twice and contributing two assists in three appearances, including one goal and two assists in two league games, although he did not play in the team’s most recent match against Sparta Rotterdam.
The Dutch club is under no obligation to sell this summer, as the South American still has three years left on his contract.
Related: Antony Tells Ajax ‘He Wants Manchester United Move In Next 48 Hours’
Why Has Antony Gone On Strike At Ajax?
Antony has gone on strike at Ajax, refusing to participate in their league game against FC Utrecht on Sunday in order to force a move to Old Trafford, according to The Mirror.
Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder is said to have advised senior club figures that allowing any more key players to depart before the end of the transfer window would be a mistake.
This summer, the Dutch club have already lost Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United, while Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, and Noussair Mazraoui have all left.
Ajax’s board of directors are expected to meet on Sunday to debate whether the club can afford to turn down Man United’s interest as the player actively seeks to depart.
Since joining Ajax from Sao Paulo in July 2020, the forward has netted 24 goals and registered 22 assists in 82 games.
Man United signed four players this summer, including Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, and Casemiro, and all four were featured in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton.
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