Man City ‘to battle Barcelona for wonderkid Antony’ after sensational Ajax form

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola could go head-to-head with his former club Barcelona in pursuit of Ajax winger Antony ahead of the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old has had a fine start to the new Eredivisie season, earning a call up to the Brazil national side and earning comparisons to Neymar.

The wonderkid has managed 12 goals and eight assists across his 39 league outings since leaving Sao Paulo for an initial £13 million during the winter transfer window of 2020.

Although Ajax are always open to selling their young talent for the right fee, Antony won't be leaving on the cheap with two European heavyweights said to be showing interest.

El Nacional report that Guardiola 'personality recommended' Antony to Barcelona president Joan Laporta a few weeks ago, and that City have since joined the race themselves.

Antony plays predominantly on the right wing for Ajax, and City's interest could follow the news that Ferran Torres faces up to three months on the sidelines.

Having joined Ajax on an initial five-year deal, he has played a part in their fine Champions League group stage campaign this season with three consecutive victories.

In what was one of his best career performances so far, Antony was involved in four of Ajax’s five goals as they beat Sporting 5-1 in September.

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He said: “It was a great night for our team, we neutralised the opponent and converted that into goals.

"I’m glad I helped with my assists and actions. It’s a start that motivates us a lot in the Champions League. We have to try to maintain this level in the next matches."

Before adding: "I am happy with the messages I get from the fans on social media, it shows that I try to do my job as well as possible.

"I always go out on the field thinking of them, to be able to repay all the positive reactions I get.”

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