Real Madrid forward emerges as a leading target for Arbeloa at Fulham | OneFootball

Fulham’s newly-appointed head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has made Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia his primary transfer target as he begins reshaping the squad at Craven Cottage.

According to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, the Premier League club have identified the 22-year-old striker as a leading priority to fill the attacking vacancy left by the high-profile departure of Raul Jimenez.

Arbeloa looking towards Real Madrid for reinforcements

Arbeloa, who was officially announced as Fulham’s new manager on Tuesday night following the exit of Marco Silva, has immediately looked to his former club to reinforce the frontline.

The connection between Gonzalo and Arbeloa is quite strong. Not only do they share the same representative agency, but the striker also enjoyed an increase in prominence at the Santiago Bernabeu after Arbeloa stepped in to succeed Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager.

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

Garcia has built up valuable top-flight experience in Spain, racking up 35 La Liga appearances since making his senior competitive debut for Real Madrid back in 2023.

The Spanish centre-forward found the back of the net six times last season, showing his clinical nature and sharp movement in and around the box – qualities that Arbeloa believes can help him seamlessly adapt to the demands of Premier League football.

Gonzalo might not be the only target

As per the report, Fulham’s recruitment department has mapped out a busy summer window, with the board prioritising immediate additions at centre-forward, on the wings, and across the central midfield.

Insiders close to the London outfit understand that Arbeloa is keen to expand his raid on the Spanish capital club, with the manager actively pushing to bring more than just one Real Madrid academy graduate across to Craven Cottage.

Will Gonzalo leave Real Madrid? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As already reported today, the Spanish tactician is also exploring the idea of bringing in Franco Mastantuono on loan.

However, Jose Mourinho, who has succeeded Arbeloa at the Santiago Bernabeu, intends to see both Gonzalo and Mastantuono in action in pre-season before deciding on whether to retain them or let them leave.

For now, though, Gonzalo has emerged as a leading target for Arbeloa at his new club, and it remains to be seen if a move goes through.