In a stunning turn of events, Arsenal has reportedly identified Manchester United's struggling winger Antony as one of their key transfer priorities for the upcoming summer window. As speculation mounts, the Gunners are anticipated to launch a substantial bid to secure the Brazilian talent.

Antony was originally signed by Manchester United from Ajax for a staggering £82 million, with potential add-ons pushing that figure to £86 million. Unfortunately, his time in the Premier League has been lackluster, with only five goals and three assists across 62 appearances, leading to a notable drop in form and a diminished role within the squad.

This season, under the management of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, Antony found himself down the pecking order, prompting a January loan move to Real Betis. Since his arrival in La Liga, the 25-year-old has rediscovered his form, contributing to eight goals in just 12 matches and playing a crucial role in Betis' six consecutive league victories. The team has surged in contention for European competition, a remarkable turnaround since his transfer.

The Manchester club has expressed no intention of reintegrating Antony into their squad once his loan ends, opening the door for Real Betis to potentially negotiate a permanent transfer. However, recent reports suggest that Manchester United believes they could recoup about £40 million from a sale, a figure they see as feasible in the current market, especially with Atletico Madrid reportedly expressing interest.

Adding to the intrigue, the Spanish outlet Fichajes has claimed that Arsenal is now among the leading contenders for Antony's signature. They assert that the Gunners are ready to make a decisive and competitive offer to outbid Betis and other suitors. Mikel Arteta views Antony as an ideal fit for Arsenal's attacking philosophy and is keen to finalize the deal before rival clubs enter the fray.

This pursuit aligns with Arsenal's overarching strategy to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season, with plans to strengthen not just the right wing, where Antony plays, but also potentially adding to their striker and left-wing positions. Interestingly, another notable name linked with a move to Arsenal is Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich, who is out of contract at the end of the season, presenting a realistic alternative to boost competition on the flanks.

While Fichajes is often regarded as a speculative source in transfer news, the prospect of Arsenal investing in a player yet to truly shine in the Premier League raises eyebrows. Nevertheless, the excitement around a potential Antony signing highlights Arsenal's ambition to return to the top of English football. As summer approaches, all eyes will be on the Gunners and their transfer dealings as they aim for a stronger squad.

Stay tuned for more updates on this and other transfer-related news as the summer window approaches!