Premier League rival now trying to elbow Newcastle United out of way to sign Spanish youngster Antonio Cordero

Newcastle United are already planning and plotting ahead of a summer transfer spree, but as well as that, Paul Mitchell's army continue to hunt for young players they can bring to the club to develop.

The Magpies were reportedly at the front of a long queue for Malaga's young prodigy, Antonio Cordero who was also being tracked by Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The 18-year-old is said to be destined to have a great career, and as such, big clubs are already circling like vultures ready to swoop in and take him off Malaga's hands in the summer.

Despite the Spanish connection, there was a big belief that Cordero would snub Real Madrid and Barca in favour of a move to the Premier League.

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Arsenal and Newcastle are neck and neck in the race for Antonio Cordero

Yesterday, it was reported that Newcastle were the most advanced club in talks with Cordero, but today, Caught Offside have thrown another Premier League side into the mix.

Arsenal are now said to be at an advanced stage too, suggesting that it's neck and neck between the Premier League rivals.

Things could get a bit juicy here with the rivalry between the two clubs growing every day.

Will Antonio Cordero choose Arsenal or Newcastle?

Both clubs are hoping to get the Spain U21 international to sign a pre-contract agreement, but as yet no decisions have been made.

It could be a big decision for Cordero. Arsenal, as much as we hate to admit it, are a huge club with plenty to offer, but the project at Newcastle, while hampered by PSR, is still an exciting one. The progress the club has made in recent years should be enough to tempt any player.

Also ... Newcastle United have Alexander Isak. Imagine that, Antonio, you could be supplying the best striker in Europe with assists.