Man Utd eye Antony & Gakpo double deal
Manchester United could reportedly be in line to sign Ajax winger Antony and PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo this summer, with new boss Erik ten Hag keen to bolster his forward line before the end of the window.
What’s the word?
That’s according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who wrote on Twitter about that potential double swoop:
“Would not rule out United signing both Antony and Gakpo.”
The latest suggestion is that the Red Devils are readying a new offer of around €94m (£79m) for Antony – who is said to be keen on the move – having seen an €80m (£67m) bid rejected by the Brazilian’s current side earlier in the window.
As for Gakpo, the Dutchman has also been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford late, with one report suggesting he could cost in the region of €50m (£42m) if United do decide to pursue a move.
Murtough masterstroke
Although there has been suggestion that the Premier League side’s pursuit of Antony has seen the club somewhat cool their interest in his fellow Eredivisie star, if Crook is to be believed there are still lingering hopes that a major double deal can be secured.
While it may prove a fairly sizeable move at a combined fee of around £121m – having only recently splashed out on £70m to land Casemiro from Real Madrid – it would appear that new forward additions are a necessity, particularly amid the uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese icon has seemingly been angling for a move throughout the current window amid a desire to play Champions League football, while he was also resigned to the bench in the recent triumph over Liverpool.
While a lack of suitors may potentially see the 37-year-old remain at the Theatre of Dreams beyond the end of the window, even if the 189-cap genius were to stay there is still a requirement for fresh faces in attack.
At present, Ten Hag appears set to hang is hat on an attacking lineup of Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, although that trio netted just 11 goals in all competitions between them last season, with further competition no doubt needed to apply some much-needed pressure.
Equally, there is little depth beyond those three men, with it yet to be seen if the youthful pairing of Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho can be relied upon this season, with the latter man, in particular, having made just three senior outings thus far.
In Antony then, the Manchester outfit would be acquiring a player who scored 12 goals and provided ten assists in all competitions last season, with only Bruno Fernandes and compatriot Ronaldo having provided more goal contributions among the United squad during the 2021/22 campaign.
His arrival could also solve the long-standing issue on the right flank, with even the capture of the aforementioned Sancho having failed to prove a solution to that position last season.
As for Gakpo, the 23-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign in Holland last time out, chipping in with 36 goal contributions in just 47 games across all fronts, while he’s also started the new season with seven goals and assists in as many games thus far.
Equally, the youngster’s versatility to feature all across the front line could also prove invaluable to Ten Hag, particularly should Ronaldo depart, with the club no doubt in need of greater depth as they look to compete on a number of fronts.
With PSV’s recent Champions League exit having also potentially handed United a green light to sign the 6 foot 2 sensation, it falls upon technical director John Murtough to ensure that the club can get both deals over the line.
As deadline day approaches at the end of a typically frantic window for the three-time European champions, Murtough can produce a late masterstroke by wrapping that double deal.