Arteta wants 18-year-old Spaniard as 'top priority'

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 24 Nov 2024 05:42 CST
6 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to his home nation to bring in young talent and he has already found him he wants as a "top priority", according to reports.

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The Gunners have had an underwhelming start to their league campaign. For the second time in a row, the club finished second in the Premier League, behind winners Manchester City once again last season.

It was believed that it could be third time lucky, but even though Man City are enduring one of their worst-ever spells under Pep Guardiola - if not the worst - however it's Liverpool that are ahead and not the London club.

The club made some decent additions during the transfer window. Players such as Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori were brought to the Emirates.

But other than the loan addition of Raheem Sterling, a transfer that has proved to be pretty pointless so far, the club decided not to bring in a No.9, despite the links to the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak. Arteta and the club backed German international Kai Havertz to be their source of inspiration upfront.

Arteta gunning for teenage star

But now CaughtOffside have reported that the club are eyeing Antonio Cordero. Their story reads: "Arteta has already told the club to sign an attacking talent as a “top priority,” and to that end, CaughtOffside sources are aware that Arsenal have been courting Malaga’s 18-year-old ace."

He has six goal contributions in 12 games for his club this season and it's thought that Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG are keen too.

Spain’s Second Division has become a hotspot for scouts, with top clubs across Europe keeping a close eye on rising talents like Cordero.

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A post shared by Antonio Jose Cordero Campillo 🏆 (@antoniocordero10_)

The Malaga forward, who has delivered standout performances this season, was linked with Barcelona last summer. Cordero’s agent, Pini Zahavi is believed to be a close associate of Barcelona president Joan Laporta. This helped spark initial interest from the Catalan giants. Real Madrid also made inquiries but received a firm no from his current side.

With Cordero’s contract set to expire in 2025, it opens the door for clubs to approach him starting January 1, 2025.