Fulham have stepped up their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia as new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa looks to make one of the club’s most exciting signings of the summer.
The Premier League side are working to reunite Arbeloa with one of the brightest products to emerge from Real Madrid’s academy in recent years. The Spaniard, who coached Garcia during his time in Madrid’s youth system, is believed to have made the 22-year-old one of his priority transfer targets since taking charge at Craven Cottage.
Garcia has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past year after impressing for both Real Madrid Castilla and the senior side. He featured in 30 La Liga matches last season, although only nine of those appearances came in the starting lineup, and further enhanced his reputation with standout performances during Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign.
Despite attracting interest from clubs across Europe, Fulham are understood to be leading the race for the Spain Under-21 international. However, the biggest hurdle remains convincing Real Madrid to sanction his departure.
The situation has become more complicated following Jose Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Portuguese manager is reportedly impressed by Garcia’s performances during pre-season and sees the striker as someone capable of contributing to his first-team squad this season. That has left the forward’s future hanging in the balance.
While Mourinho values the young forward, Garcia is believed to be weighing his options carefully. Regular first-team football is understood to be his priority, and Fulham believe they can offer him a clearer pathway to consistent playing time in the Premier League.
Negotiations between the two clubs are continuing, with Real Madrid expected to insist on retaining significant control over Garcia’s future should a deal be agreed.
Any transfer is likely to include a buy-back clause or similar provision, allowing the Spanish giants to bring the striker back if he fulfils his considerable potential. Such clauses have become common in Real Madrid’s dealings involving academy graduates.
Arbeloa’s close relationship with Garcia is regarded as one of Fulham’s biggest advantages.
Having overseen the striker’s development in Madrid’s academy, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender is said to have outlined an important role for Garcia as he begins a new era at Craven Cottage. The Fulham boss is personally driving the move as he looks to reshape his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
For now, Mourinho’s final decision could determine whether Garcia remains at Real Madrid to fight for his place or embarks on a new challenge in England under one of the coaches who knows his game better than most.
