Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea could play role in Antony's Man Utd exit

Manchester United are set to move Antony on permanently in the summer transfer window

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all had scouts at recent Real Betis fixtures as the Premier League trio eye a move for youngster Jesus Rodriguez - in a summer transfer saga that could help seal Antony’s permanent exit from Manchester United.

Antony of Real Betis celebrates after Cucho Hernandez of Real Betis (not pictured) scores his team's third goal during the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on March 16, 2025 in Leganes, Spain. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Antony of Real Betis celebrates after Cucho Hernandez of Real Betis (not pictured) scores his team's third goal during the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on March 16, 2025 in Leganes, Spain. | Getty Images

Reports from Caught Offside have claimed that Red Devils’ rivals have been watching Rodriguez in recent games but Betis are keen to keep hold of the winger. However, big offers for the Spain Under-21 international could force the Spanish club to sell him.

Antony has enjoyed renewed form since his loan switch to Betis. The Spanish outfit are keen to keep a hold of him again next season but, as things stand, can only afford to take him on loan as they eye a 12-month deal for the 2025-26 campaign. Betis currently cover 84 per cent of Antony’s United salary and would offer to cover a greater percentage if they were to take him for another year.

Jesus Rodriguez exit could fund Antony move

If one of United’s rivals make a move for Rodriguez, it could give Betis the funds they need to offer to take Antony on a permanent deal. The Brazilian is reportedly being eyed by Atletico Madrid, who are said to be willing to make a permanent bid for Antony come the summer.

Since his move to Betis, Antony has scored four goals and provided four assists in 16 games in all competitions. He has helped the club reach the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League on Thursday night. They will face Serie A side Fiorentina in the last four and could meet Chelsea in the final of the competition.

Antony has impressed his teammates at Betis. Former Real Madrid player Isco joked last month: “We have to do one of those crowdfunding campaigns to see if we can bring him in for at least another year.”

Defender Marc Bartra has also sung Antony’s praises since his switch to Spain. He said previously: "Among my teammates, we're willing to do whatever's best for the team, let's go. Antony's doing very well, and Betis has been giving him incredible affection and love from day one."

Man Utd confident of £40m deal for Antony

Antony’s improved performances since leaving Manchester has not changed the minds of the Old Trafford hierarchy, who are still keen to sell him or loan him out again this summer. The view is that a permanent deal would be preferable but another loan could increase his market value further.

Reports late last month claimed United are now confident of getting £40m for Antony in the summer due to his improved form at Betis. He joined the Red Devils for around £86m from Ajax in the summer of 2022. However, despite the club set to make an overall loss, they only need to sell Antony for around £32.5m to avoid making a loss on him when accounting for profit and sustainability.

United can only finance one or two sales this summer without exits but any players who are sold will be able to provide Ruben Amorim with a bigger budget to rebuild his side.