Fulham consider Thiago Pitarch move as Arbeloa renews ties with Real Madrid academy

Fulham are considering a move for Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch as manager Alvaro Arbeloa continues to look to the club’s youth system for players capable of strengthening his squad.

The London club are already exploring the possibility of signing the young midfielder, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. However, discussions over Pitarch are progressing more slowly than Fulham’s previous deals involving Real Madrid academy players.

Pitarch is currently recovering from a knee injury, while Fulham are also assessing alternative options for their midfield. The club are therefore not in a hurry to complete a deal, with their interest still at an exploratory stage.

The potential move would represent another link between Arbeloa and players he worked with at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground. Fulham have already completed a joint deal for Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, paying 50m euros for 70% of the players’ rights.

That agreement underlined Arbeloa’s faith in the ability of Valdebebas graduates to make the step up to the Premier League. Pitarch could now become the third Real Madrid academy player targeted as the manager seeks to shape his team around young footballers whose development he has followed closely.

Pitarch made significant progress under Arbeloa during the latter’s time in charge of Real Madrid’s youth side. That development led to the midfielder being promoted to the first team last season, when his appearances demonstrated the qualities that had established him as one of the club’s most promising prospects.

His path to regular first-team football at Real Madrid could nevertheless be complicated by the intense competition for places in midfield. A move to Fulham would offer him the prospect of greater exposure in the Premier League, while also allowing him to reunite with a manager with whom he has an excellent relationship.

Fulham believe English football could provide the right setting for Pitarch to gain experience and continue refining his game in one of the strongest competitions in world football. The club also regard Arbeloa’s knowledge of the player as an advantage, given his close understanding of Pitarch’s strengths and weaknesses.

No agreement has been reached and Fulham’s interest remains at an early stage. The pursuit does, however, reflect the clear approach Arbeloa has adopted since taking responsibility at Craven Cottage: investing in young talent whose progress he monitored during his time at Real Madrid’s academy.

Pitarch’s recovery and Fulham’s consideration of other midfield targets mean the proposed transfer is moving at a slower pace than the deals for Garcia and Palacios. Even so, the midfielder’s previous work with Arbeloa has made him a possible addition as Fulham continue to draw on the manager’s knowledge of Real Madrid’s emerging players.