Arsenal have now been credited with an interest in signing one of European football’s rising stars.
Mikel Arteta has proven in his time at the helm at the Emirates Stadium that he is willing to show faith in youth.
Hale End academy graduates such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, and Eddie Nketiah have all featured heavily at times during the Spanish coach’s tenure. Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri has become the latest youngster to break through into the first team from the youth ranks.
Arsenal have also invested in young players in the transfer market, and now have their sights set on another potential future star.
Arsenal in transfer race to sign Antonio Cordero
According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are “courting” the signature of Malaga winger Antonio Cordero.
The 18-year-old has impressed for Malaga in the Segunda Division so far this season, registering 3 goals and 3 assists in 13 appearances.
The teenager may be available for a “bargain” fee, which has piqued the Gunners’ interest. However, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG hold an interest in Cordero too, whilst Manchester City, Manchester United, and Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on his development.
Of course, were Arsenal to pursue a deal for Cordero, he would be a player signed with the future very much in mind. It would be too big an ask for the attacker to step up from the Spanish second tier and make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
How Cordero could combine with Ethan Nwaneri
Were Cordero to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium, Arteta will be aware of the potential connection he could forge on the pitch with Nwaneri once he is ready to represent the first team.
Nwaneri looks set for a big future in North London, and is pushing for more game time. Eventually, Arteta will have to begin affording the 17-year-old regular starts.
Martin Odegaard has mentored Nwaneri at Arsenal, and the youngster could prove to the Norwegian’s eventual heir. Before then, though, Arteta will have to figure out how to fit both players into his starting XI.
That scenario gives rise to the prospect of Nwaneri making the left-eight midfield berth his own, alongside Odegaard, who operates on the right. Much of Odegaard’s success at Arsenal has come as a result of his relationship with Saka. Their partnership is the centre-piece of the Arsenal attack.
With his pace and technical ability, Cordero has the potential to strike up a similarly effective relationship with Nwaneri.
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