Arbeloa targets second Real Madrid prospect as Fulham rebuild gathers pace

Alvaro Arbeloa is pushing to sign a second Real Madrid youngster for Fulham as he looks to give his new project in the Premier League a distinctly Madrid flavour.

The former Real Madrid defender, who took over as Fulham head coach a few weeks ago, is said to have added midfielder Cesar Palacios to his wishlist after moving for forward Gonzalo Garcia, according to reports in Spain.

Arbeloa, who previously coached Real Madrid’s youth sides, is understood to be prioritising young players he knows well and believes he can quickly integrate into his plans at Craven Cottage, with the club aiming to return to European competition as soon as possible.

Garcia deal advanced

The Athletic reports that Garcia, 22, has been identified as Arbeloa’s primary attacking target and is being lined up to lead the Fulham front line in the Premier League.

Negotiations between Fulham and Real Madrid are described as being at an advanced stage, with the potential transfer fee expected to exceed €30m. The final decision now rests largely with the player.

Real Madrid are said to be satisfied with Garcia’s development but could accept a substantial offer in order to generate funds after making major investments in the current summer window.

Garcia, who is under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2030, made 39 appearances for Real Madrid in the 2025-26 season, scoring eight goals. However, he spent much of the campaign on the bench and struggled to secure a consistent starting role.

Palacios next on Fulham list

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Arbeloa is not stopping at Garcia. The report claims his next target from Real Madrid is 21-year-old midfielder Cesar Palacios, another player he coached directly while in charge of Real Madrid Castilla and later introduced to the first team.

Arbeloa is said to be fully aware of the intense competition for places in Real Madrid’s midfield, and believes this could work in Fulham’s favour. The club’s hierarchy in Madrid are not expected to block a departure if an appropriate offer arrives that would give Palacios more guaranteed minutes.

Last season, Palacios featured seven times for Real Madrid’s senior side and played 32 matches for the reserve team, scoring 15 goals in total. His ability to contribute both in midfield build-up and in the final third is thought to appeal to Arbeloa as he reshapes Fulham’s squad.

Potential Premier League storyline

If Fulham succeed in securing both signings, Garcia’s Premier League debut could provide a striking narrative. The forward may play his first league match for Fulham under Arbeloa against Chelsea, who are now managed by Xabi Alonso.

Alonso was the first coach to show firm faith in Garcia at Real Madrid, handing him early opportunities at senior level. A meeting between Alonso and Arbeloa on opposing dugouts, with Garcia leading Fulham’s attack, would underline the growing influence of a generation of former Real Madrid players now stepping into high-profile coaching roles.

For now, Fulham have yet to complete any major incoming transfers under Arbeloa, but a double move for Garcia and Palacios from Madrid would mark a significant statement of intent as the London club look to accelerate their push back towards European football.