Arbeloa looks to Real Madrid again as Fulham push for Garcia and Palacios deals

Alvaro Arbeloa is attempting to launch his Fulham rebuild with a double move for Real Madrid prospects Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, with negotiations over a deal for the striker already at an advanced stage, according to reports in Spain.

The former Real Madrid defender, who took over as Fulham head coach a few weeks ago, is understood to be pushing hard for young players he already knows well from his time coaching in the Spanish club’s youth system, with the aim of quickly building a competitive side capable of returning the London club to European competition.

Garcia, 22, has emerged as Arbeloa’s priority target to lead the line at Craven Cottage. The forward, who came through Real Madrid’s academy and is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2030, has been identified as the preferred first-choice striker for Fulham.

According to The Athletic, talks between Fulham and Real Madrid over Garcia are “very advanced”, and the proposed transfer fee is expected to exceed €30m. The deal is now said to hinge largely on the player’s own decision, with Real Madrid open to a sale despite being “fully satisfied” with his development.

Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to cash in to help balance their finances after substantial spending earlier in the summer, even though Garcia remains highly regarded within the club.

Arbeloa targets Palacios as second signing

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Arbeloa’s plans do not stop at Garcia. The Fulham manager is also keen to bring in midfielder Cesar Palacios, 21, another player he coached directly at Real Madrid Castilla and later helped to introduce to the first team.

Arbeloa is said to be fully aware of the fierce competition Palacios faces for minutes in Real Madrid’s crowded midfield, and Mundo Deportivo suggests the club’s hierarchy would not stand in the player’s way should a suitable offer arrive that guarantees him more regular game time.

Both targets are seen as part of Arbeloa’s attempt to give his Fulham project a strong Madrid influence, using his familiarity with Castilla talents to accelerate the team’s development in the Premier League.

Potential reunion with Alonso on Premier League debut

If Fulham succeed in completing the two signings, Garcia’s first appearance in the Premier League could come in particularly eye-catching circumstances. The forward may make his debut for Fulham under Arbeloa in a match against Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso – the coach who was the first to place his trust in Garcia at Real Madrid.

Garcia featured 39 times for Real Madrid across the 2025-26 season, scoring eight goals, but he spent long spells on the bench and struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.

Palacios, meanwhile, made seven first-team appearances for Real Madrid in the same campaign, in addition to 32 outings for the club’s reserve side. The midfielder scored 15 goals for the second team, underlining the potential that has attracted Arbeloa as he reshapes Fulham’s squad.

Fulham have yet to complete a major signing under Arbeloa, but if deals for Garcia and Palacios can be concluded, the club’s new era under their Spanish coach would begin with two high-profile arrivals from the heart of Real Madrid.