Arbeloa eyes Real Madrid: three names for Fulham

Premier League side Fulham are bringing their new manager's Real Madrid past to the transfer table. According to BBC Sports, Álvaro Arbeloa, who recently took charge at Craven Cottage, wants to bring three players from his former club Real Madrid to the squad. Franco Mastantuono, Fran García and Gonzalo García are all on his target list.

Arbeloa's move for these names is no coincidence. The Spanish coach took over at Real Madrid in the second half of last season following Xabi Alonso's departure, leading the team for 28 games. The close relationships he built with the players during that spell have now turned into a significant transfer advantage for Fulham. Arbeloa signed a three-year contract at Craven Cottage.

The most eye-catching name on the list is Franco Mastantuono, the young star who arrived in Madrid for €45 million amid huge expectations. It is reported that the Argentine could leave on loan this summer, but with at least 12 clubs across Europe in the running for his signature, meaning Arbeloa will have to rely on the personal bond he has with the player. Left-back Fran García, meanwhile, appears to have slipped down the pecking order following Real Madrid's signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, and is being viewed as one of the names who could be sold.

The third target, Gonzalo García, is for now expected to feature on José Mourinho's pre-season tour. However, it is suggested that the possibility of him leaving the squad could arise later in the transfer window. The fact that all three players have strong relationships with Arbeloa stands out as Fulham's biggest card in this ambitious transfer plan. While no formal offer stage has yet been reached, the club are expected to make their move in the coming weeks.

Source: BBC Sports

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