Back in the summer of 2019, Arsenal were looking for a right-sided winger to bolster the attack at Unai Emery’s disposal.
Wilfried Zaha was one name linked at the time, but they ended up going for Nicolas Pepe in a big-money move from Lille.
The Ivorian hasn’t justified his price tag yet, and some will wonder whether he will ever fulfil his potential, whilst there’s little chance of him maintaining his worth in the market.
Arsenal may be kicking themselves, as one of their other targets as Sao Paulo talent Antony, with Goal reporting approaches from both Arsenal and Ajax.
In the end, he joined Ajax for around £19.5million in 2020. Whilst Pepe struggles for success and even playing time at Arsenal, Antony is in red-hot form over in Amsterdam.
The Brazilian has smashed seven goals and eight assists in just 16 league games this season, whilst he also scored a Champions League goal against FC Midtjylland.
At just 20, Antony looks like being Ajax’s next big sale. He has taken Dutch football by storm in a matter of months, and he has been exactly what Arsenal have been seeking from Pepe.
He has been quick and direct, going past players for fun with skill and pace whilst being far more decisive in the final third than Pepe, as well as attacking the back post – something we haven’t seen enough of from Pepe.
Technical director Edu will surely be aware of the Brazilian talent, but he will now cost much, much more than the price Ajax paid, and probably closer to Pepe’s price tag now.
Antony looks to be one that got away for Arsenal, and whilst he should still be on their radar now, there must be a sense of regret at seeing him shine in the Netherlands.
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