A new frontrunner has emerged in the race to sign Málaga talent Antonio ‘Antoñito’ Cordero.
That’s according to Marca, who point towards Real Madrid as the club in question.
Antoñito, for his part, is an 18-year-old striker, who has long been considered one of Spanish football’s standout up-and-coming talents.
The starlet was the subject of intense interest on the part of Barcelona over the summer, with the Camp Nou hierarchy having gone as far as to table an offer for his services.
In the end, as much was rebuffed by Málaga, determined to secure what they felt was market value in return for their crown jewel.
Following the turn of the year, though, the battle for Antoñito’s signature looks set to ramp up once more.
This comes ahead of the expiration of his contract terms in the summer of 2025.
Barcelona, for their part, remain firmly in the hunt, but are now seen as being behind their arch rivals when it comes to the favourite to strike a deal.
As per a report from **[Marca](https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2024/12/17/real-madrid-toca-fibra-sensible-antonito.html)**, ‘it is Real Madrid that has been able to take a step forward’ towards Antoñito’s signing.
A pair of reasons are cited for as much – the player’s eagerness to line out in the famed white of Los Blancos, and Barcelona’s ongoing financial problems.
Conor Laird – GSFN