EXCLUSIVE: Watford in advanced talks for Antony

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 28 Jan 2023 15:29 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Watford have been in talks with Arouca winger Antony, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The 21-year-old Brazilian is on Slaven Bilic’s wishlist as he looks to bolster the flanks for the Hornets.

Watford have been in discussions with the player and personal terms are not expected to be a problem - the Championship side just need to greenlight the move, something which the player is waiting for. The club were expected to close for the transfer earlier this window.

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Antony joined the Primeira Liga side in the summer of 2021 after spells at Brazillian clubs Joinville and Corinthians.

The youngster has played 17 games for Arouca this season and scored two goals.

Slaven Bilic's superb Janaury

Watford boss Bilic is readying his side for a trip to promotion rivals Middlesbrough Saturday, with the side still without defeat this month.

The former West Ham boss said of Michael Carrick’s side via Watford’s official site: “They’re a very good team. Since Carrick has come in they’ve shown how good they are and the quality they possess, and we go there now with them just two points behind us in the table.

“The last game was a derby game, and they got a red card so I think it was probably just a one-off. They’ll be looking to get back on track, and with Carrick in charge - and all the experience and know-how he’s got - it’s going to be hard.

“But I think we’re in a good moment ourselves. We’ve shown over the last few weeks that without loads of players, and our full quality, that we can play good games and get points, and I’m hopeful that will be the case again this weekend.”

Latest arrival Henrique Araujo is eligible for selection against the northeast club following his loan move from Benfica. He has joined the likes of Ryan Porteous, Ismaël Kone, Joao Ferreira and Matheus Martins as new additions to the side this month.

Bilic said of Araujo: “He’s looked very sharp so far, and he’s put a smile on my face. He’s only had a handful of sessions, and we know it’s early days, but he’s very mature for his age and I’ve been impressed."