Arsenal battle Barcelona and Real Madrid for 18-year-old wonderkid

Tom Weber

Updated: 12 Feb 2025 14:53 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal are locked in a battle for Spanish youth international Antonio Cordero, according to a report.

Article continues under the video

The Gunners have sought to implement a new youth-focused philosophy in recent months after losing a host of promising talents to rivals all across English football.

In previous seasons, Mikel Arteta failed to provide Arsenal's academy starlets with regular first-team chances and it inevitably culminated in the likes of Chido Obi-Martin, Ruell Walters, Amario Cozier-Duberry and, most recently, Ayden Heaven leaving the club to pursue different opportunities.

This term, the situation has changed, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri prominently featuring - and impressing - in Arteta's squad. Additionally, Max Dowman, now 15, was given his first taste of senior training at just 14, illustrating that the path to the elite level is no longer blocked.

Arsenal are looking to continue and build on this trend by adding more talents to their youth ranks and CaughtOffside reports that Malaga youngster Antonio Cordero has caught their eye.

Arsenal want Spanish wonderkid

The 18-year-old, also known as Antonito, has already made a whopping 45 senior appearances for Malaga and he has been particularly impressive this season.

In 24 games in LaLiga2, Cordero has notched four goals and six assists, primarily featuring as a left winger, although some outings of his have also come on the right.

The teenager's contract with the former LaLiga outfit expires in the summer, which has piqued the attention of a host of bigger clubs at home and abroad.

In addition to Arsenal, sides like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle have expressed an interest. The above-mentioned report claims that Arsenal and Newcastle are the most advanced in their pursuit of Cordero and that talks over a pre-contract are taking place.

It remains to be seen if either of them will be successful in luring him to England, but he certainly wouldn't feel out of place in North London, with the Spanish contingent steadily growing under Arteta. Arsenal also remain in talks with Martin Zubimendi and Joan Garcia.