CHELSEA have lost out to Ajax in the race for Brazilian wing sensation Antony.
The Under-23 international attracted interest from top clubs across Europe with his superb displays for hometown club Sao Paulo.
Antony has agreed a £14million deal with Dutch giants Ajax that could rise to £19m.
The 20-year-old’s advisor has now revealed the Blues tried to sign him, together with another Premier League club and Germans Borussia Dortmund.
Frank Lampard’s squad includes three Brazil-born players in Willian, Emerson and Jorginho.
Three more – Lucas Piazon, Kenedy and Nathan – are currently out on loan.
Antony has won nine Under-23 caps, and is on the brink of making Brazil’s senior squad.
Agent Junior Pedroso said: “We spoke with 12 clubs in total. Borussia Dortmund followed him closely, and even sent a scout to Brazil.
“There was also interest in Antony from two big English clubs, with Chelsea one of them.
“But Ajax were the only ones to make an offer. His Sao Paulo contract ends on June 30.
“We’re awaiting the green light, but we plan to fly to Holland on July 5 and Ajax will introduce him two days later.
“Sao Paulo will get bonus payments if he plays 100 Ajax games, tops the Eredivisie scoring charts, or if Ajax win the Champions League or Europa League.”
The winger’s full name is Antony Matheus Dos Santos.
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