Antonio Cordero, a.k.a. ‘Antonito’ of Malaga has been a target for FC Barcelona since the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana tried to sign the teenage attacker in the summer but negotiations with Malaga did not pan out due to the latter’s financial demands.
However, Antonito’s contract with the club expires at the end of the season and Barça remain interested in his services.
In fact, recent reports even suggested that Barcelona would be prepared to pay €2 million to sign him in January itself.
Malaga intend to keep Antonito
However, Kike Perez, the general director of Malaga, has expressed optimism regarding the renewal of Antoñito’s contract.
The future of the homegrown player, whose contract expires on 30th June, has become a key issue for the club, and efforts are being made at La Rosaleda to ensure his continued involvement in the project.
“The situation must flow. And we will achieve it. Nothing, nothing from Barcelona. What we want is for him to stay, and we will fight until the last second. We have offered him a very important contract,” Perez stated in an interview with SER Deportivos Malaga (h/t AS).
“The people, the fans need to know that the negotiations are ongoing. I understand that other things are being said, but we are here. He is at Malaga, he is doing things excellently, we want him to stay, it is his home, his club,” he added.
“I am optimistic because I know he has an impressive sporting career ahead of him, and I know he will not be in a better place than this club, where he was formed and where he is given trust and affection. These years, until he gets older, should be spent with us.”
Perez, though, refrained from disclosing any details of the contract presented to Antonito to secure his renewal.
“It cannot be said, we have decided not to disclose anything, but it is a good contract,” he remarked.