Arbeloa makes €60 million-rated Real Madrid forward his top priority at Fulham | OneFootball

According to MARCA, Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has made Gonzalo Garcia his number one transfer target.

The Cottagers, now managed by the former Real Madrid head coach, are pushing hard to sign the striker and have moved close to meeting the Merengues’ valuation of around €60 million.

As he begins his new project at Craven Cottage, Arbeloa has identified Gonzalo as the player he wants to build his team around.

Having worked closely with the forward during his time at Real Madrid, he is convinced of the striker’s potential and is determined to bring him to west London.

Fulham are prepared to explore every possible option to complete the deal. One possibility is a deal involving 50% of the player’s economic rights, a formula Real Madrid have previously used with academy graduates to retain a financial interest in their future.

Arbeloa wants Gonzalo at Fulham. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Gonzalo tempted by the chance

The prospect of joining Fulham appeals to Gonzalo. At Craven Cottage, he would be offered the prominent role that has been difficult to secure at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He would also have the complete backing of a manager who has made him a central part of his plans. Moreover, reports suggest that he would be offered a lucrative contract.

For a player eager for regular football and a leading role, the opportunity is attractive, particularly given the challenge of competing with Kylian Mbappe for a starting place at Real Madrid.

From the Merengues’ perspective, a significant transfer fee would also help finance the club’s major spending on the proposed signings of Rodri and Yan Diomande.

Mourinho still considering keeping Gonzalo

Fulham’s pursuit could yet be complicated by Gonzalo’s impressive performances during pre-season.

His displays at Valdebebas, including finding the net in training games, have once again raised the possibility of him remaining at Real Madrid.

Gonzalo has impressed Mourinho in pre-season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Just as he convinced Xabi Alonso during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, Gonzalo has now impressed Jose Mourinho.

The academy graduate has arrived for pre-season in excellent form after also spending time with the Spain senior national team before the World Cup.

The Portuguese coach values him as a traditional centre-forward, a profile that is currently lacking elsewhere in the squad.

If Gonzalo continues to perform well during pre-season, Mourinho could ultimately decide that he is too valuable to let leave.

His future now depends on the delicate balance between Real Madrid’s sporting plans and the financial opportunities presented by a potential transfer.