Manchester United’s hopes of landing Antony and Jurrien Timber have taken a massive blow after Ajax decided to lift their price tags through the roof.
According to Mike Verweij, the Lancers want to stop their prized assets from leaving Amsterdam in the summer and avoid another talent exodus.
The reigning Eredivisie champions have been selling their best-performing up-and-comers to Europe’s elite clubs for years.
But they look tired of that practice as they look to fend off foreign interest by taking their players’ prices to the extreme.
Ajax will demand up to €80m to let Antony go, as per Vervweij.
As for the other two, it may take up to €50m to prise them away from the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Like Anthony, Timber is one of Man United’s top targets this summer following the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
The ex-Ajax manager wants to take two of his former associates with him to Old Trafford.
However, the Dutchman’s former bosses are ready to make his life as hard as possible by playing hardball over the duo’s switch to the Premier League.
Man United are not the only English powerhouse that could miss out on their transfer targets.
The same goes for Arsenal, who have identified Lisandro Martinez as one of their priorities for the summer.
Mikel Arteta is desperate to land a new centre-back, and the 24-year-old Argentine has made it to the top of his list.
But after already forking out a substantial figure to acquire the services of Fabio Vieira from Porto, the Gunners may be reluctant to meet Ajax’s high demands.
Adding to this sentiment, Arteta’s ongoing search for a new striker to replace Alexandre Lacazette will likely require another significant financial sacrifice.
It means Martinez, alongside his other two Ajax companions, could extend their stay in the Netherlands beyond the summer.
