Arsenal Risk Another Raheem Sterling Mistake with Antony Interest

Amid attacking struggles and injury concerns, Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Manchester United winger Antony, who is on loan at Real Betis. The Brazilian has scored six goals in 19 games in Spain but had a disappointing Premier League run, much like Raheem Sterling’s short Arsenal loan spell that yielded just one goal in 27 appearances.

After the January transfer window passed without any signings, Arsenal’s season began to unravel. Despite being second in the Premier League and one match from a Champions League final, they've endured major issues, including 21 points dropped from winning positions, equaling their worst ever total.

Defensive fragility is also clear, with 38.7% of their goals conceded coming from set-pieces, the highest in the league. In response, Arsenal are exploring attacking reinforcements, with names like Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Nico Williams, and Kenan Yildiz on their radar. However, reports now link them with Manchester United flop Antony, who cost £85m and is currently on loan at Real Betis.

Though he’s performed better in Spain (6 goals, 4 assists in 19 games), his United stats remain underwhelming: 3 goals and 2 assists in 38 games last season, and just 1 goal before his loan this season. The concern is he could be another Raheem Sterling-type misstep. Since joining Arsenal, Sterling has started only six league games and scored once in 27 appearances. Given Antony’s poor Premier League record and hefty price tag, many believe Arsenal should avoid repeating the same mistake.