Antonio Conte has seemingly admitted Manchester United have a “big advantage” over Tottenham in the transfer market, evidenced by their deadline day signing of Antony.
The Reds announced on Thursday morning that a deal which could rise to £85m had been struck with Ajax for the Brazilian, making him the second-most expensive signing in their history.
Six recruits arrived at Old Trafford this summer, with Christian Eriksen coming in on a free and Martin Dubravka on a loan from Newcastle. Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia cost a combined £225.4m this summer, making it United’s most expensive window ever.
READ MORE: United to make decision on Antony vs Arsenal
Meanwhile, Tottenham spent more than £150m, £52m of which was on Richarlison. They did not dip into the market on the final day, ending the window with eight new players.
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Fulham this weekend, Conte - who was linked with the United job prior to his move to Spurs - seemed to suggest that United ’s deadline day dealings showed they had a financial advantage over his club.
He said: “Honestly, if you sign a player for £100million or £80million on the last day, you have a big advantage because it means you are signing a top player, you understand? You can sign also a player for free or on loan and it is a different situation.
“I repeat, we’re going in the right way for the capacity in this moment of the club to invest money. Then we have to be realistic to understand that there are different clubs. Clubs who can invest a lot of money, other clubs who can invest normal money.”
Chelsea were the highest Premier League spenders of the window with new owner Todd Boehly splashing out more than £250m on the likes of Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.
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