The Germany international is under contract until 2028, but Dortmund are keen to avoid allowing one of their most consistent performers to enter the final year of his deal without an agreement in place. The club have already made an initial offer, although it did not meet Anton's expectations.
According to the Dortmund Insider podcast, Anton currently earns around €5.5 million a year. The defender is seeking a significant increase, both in recognition of his performances and in line with the salaries of other senior players.
Nico Schlotterbeck, his fellow centre-back, is reportedly earning up to €14 million annually. That difference is understood to be a factor in Anton's thinking, with the defender keen to feel that his contribution is properly valued.
Borussia Dortmund are expected to return with an improved proposal as they attempt to make progress in negotiations. The club's priority is to reach an agreement before the situation becomes more complicated, particularly with interest from abroad.
Anton is understood to have options in England, where clubs could offer him a considerably higher salary. Dortmund chief reporter Jörg Weiler discussed the situation on the Dortmund Insider podcast.
“He naturally also has offers from England, where he could move to the island and probably earn considerably more,” Weiler said.
The prospect of a move to the Premier League adds pressure on Dortmund to improve their terms. Anton has previously been linked with Manchester United, who have been looking for a defensive leader amid their struggles.
The initial offer from Dortmund was not considered sufficient by the player, and the club now face a decision over how far they are prepared to go to keep him. With his current contract running until 2028, there is time to negotiate, but the club are keen not to allow the issue to run into the final stages of his deal.
Anton has established himself as a reliable presence in Dortmund's defence, and retaining him is a priority. However, his financial expectations, the comparison with Schlotterbeck's reported salary and the possibility of a more lucrative offer from England mean an agreement is not guaranteed.
Dortmund are expected to continue working towards a new contract, but their next proposal may prove decisive in determining whether Anton sees his future at the club.