Arsenal Linked with Stunning Move for Man Utd Misfit

Antony’s Revival in Spain Puts Gunners on Alert Ahead of Summer Overhaul

In a twist that few would have seen coming when he left Old Trafford under a cloud in January, Manchester United winger Antony is once again a name on the lips of Europe’s elite clubs—and this time, it’s Arsenal leading the conversation. A player once written off as a high-priced flop now finds himself enjoying a career revival at Real Betis, and Mikel Arteta’s Gunners appear to be taking notice.

The Brazilian winger, signed by United for a staggering £86 million in 2022, never lived up to the price tag in Manchester. But under Manuel Pellegrini in Spain, he’s found the rhythm, freedom, and perhaps most importantly, the confidence that deserted him in England. With five goal contributions in 12 La Liga appearances and a starring role in Betis’ European run, Antony is once again a player worth watching—and possibly worth buying.

Arsenal’s Attacking Agenda: Looking Beyond the Obvious

It’s no secret that Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer. After another season of progress under Mikel Arteta, the North London club finds itself just a few key pieces away from challenging on all fronts. While a top-tier striker remains the primary target—Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres has been heavily linked—there’s growing recognition that Arsenal need more than just a traditional No. 9.

They need unpredictability. They need flair. They need someone who can break a low block and offer something different from the current wide options.

Bukayo Saka has been sensational on the right, but he’s also shouldering an enormous workload. Gabriel Martinelli has shown flashes of brilliance on the left but struggled with consistency this season. Leandro Trossard has filled in admirably but is perhaps more of a squad piece. For Arsenal to truly evolve as an attacking force, they need variety—and that’s where the idea of signing someone like Antony becomes more interesting.

Antony at Betis: A Comeback Story in Progress

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Antony’s time at Manchester United was disappointing. There were flashes of brilliance, yes, but far too few and far between. The Premier League’s intensity seemed to overwhelm him, and his decision-making and end product left much to be desired. As Erik ten Hag’s marquee attacking signing, expectations were sky-high—and the fall from grace, harsh.

But a move to Real Betis in January has been nothing short of transformational.

Away from the spotlight, under the experienced guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, Antony has started to look like the player United thought they were buying from Ajax. He’s playing with more freedom, more purpose, and crucially, more confidence. His performances in the UEFA Europa Conference League have been standout—he was electric against Vitoria Guimaraes in the round of 16 and scored a crucial goal in the semi-final first leg against Fiorentina.

He’s not just a contributor at Betis—he’s a leader. He’s someone Pellegrini is building attacks around. And as Betis push for a spot in the Conference League final, Antony’s resurgence is catching the eyes of scouts across Europe.

The Transfer Numbers: From £86m Flop to Bargain Buy?

Manchester United are under no illusions. They know they won’t recoup anything close to the eye-watering £86 million they paid for Antony less than three years ago. The club is ready to take a significant loss and move on, viewing the Brazilian’s sale as part of a broader squad rebuild under incoming leadership.

Sources suggest that United would consider offers in the region of £25–£35 million—a fraction of his original fee, but a reflection of both the market and the player’s mixed track record in England. That price range, however, suddenly makes Antony a much more intriguing option for clubs like Arsenal, who wouldn’t have touched him at anything close to his original valuation.

Given his age (still just 24), his upside, and his now-demonstrated ability to thrive in the right system, a £30 million move could prove to be smart business—especially for a club looking to round out their attack without blowing their entire budget.

Arsenal’s Winger Wishlist: Antony, Leao, Nico & Lookman

It’s not as though Antony is the only winger on Arsenal’s radar.

Nico Williams of Athletic Club has been a long-term target. His electric pace, ball-carrying ability, and end product make him an ideal Arteta-type player. Rafael Leão is another name that excites supporters—though his price tag would be enormous, and competition from clubs like PSG and Chelsea could make a move difficult.

Ademola Lookman, who has enjoyed a brilliant season with Atalanta, is also thought to be under consideration. But Antony offers something slightly different: he’s left-footed, naturally suited to the right wing, and has a proven relationship with inverted winger systems like the one Arteta prefers.

He’s also available at a discount—and sometimes in football, that matters just as much as fit.

What’s Next for Antony?

The summer will be crucial for Antony. He knows he won’t be returning to Manchester United, regardless of who takes over as manager. And with Betis unlikely to afford his permanent transfer outright—unless they secure European football and sell assets—his future remains very much open.

Atletico Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation, as are Betis, who would love to keep him. But if Arsenal make a serious move, the allure of Champions League football, the Premier League stage, and working under Mikel Arteta could be decisive.

For Antony, this might be a second chance in English football. A chance to prove that his struggles at United were circumstantial—not character-defining. And for Arsenal, it might be the bold kind of signing that pushes them from contenders to champions.

Final Thoughts: A Misfit No More?

It would’ve sounded absurd six months ago—Arsenal pursuing Antony? Really? But football is strange like that. Confidence, system, and environment matter more than we sometimes admit.

Antony might not be the polished final product Arsenal supporters dream of. But he’s still a raw, gifted, and mentally strong player who has turned the tide in his favor when many wrote him off.

Sometimes, misfits just need a new home.

And maybe—just maybe—North London could be the place where Antony finally feels like he belongs.