Arbeloa sets sights on third Real Madrid youngster for Fulham; player open to reunion | OneFootball

Fulham’s summer business with Real Madrid may not be over just yet. After completing deals for Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, the Premier League club has now identified Thiago Pitarch as another priority signing.

Indeed, with Alvaro Arbeloa now leading Fulham’s project, the English side continues to look towards Valdebebas for reinforcements, and Pitarch has become the latest academy player on their radar, reports MARCA.

Move progressing at a slower pace

Unlike the transfers of Gonzalo and Palacios, negotiations for Pitarch are expected to take longer.

Fulham are currently focused on strengthening several positions and continue to pursue other midfield targets, including Shea Charles, whose club Southampton value him at around €30 million.

Pitarch’s recent knee injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks, has also reduced the urgency surrounding the deal and allowed Fulham to approach negotiations more patiently.

Player open to reunion with Arbeloa

Despite the slower pace, Fulham are optimistic because Thiago is open to the idea of reuniting with Arbeloa.

Thiago open to reuniting with Arbeloa. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Initial discussions have already taken place between the club and Pitarch’s representatives, with the midfielder said to be enthusiastic about joining his former coach alongside Gonzalo and Palacios.

From Fulham’s perspective, convincing the player is not expected to be an obstacle.

Mourinho’s arrival changes the picture

Pitarch’s future at Real Madrid became less certain following Arbeloa’s departure.

Although he has been involved in Jose Mourinho’s pre-season plans, Real Madrid currently see him as a player for Castilla rather than someone expected to establish himself immediately in the first team.

That uncertainty has encouraged the midfielder to seriously consider a move where regular senior football could accelerate his development.

Pitarch enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough last season, earning significant opportunities in the senior squad.

He made 16 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, starting several important matches, including both legs of the European tie against Manchester City and the first leg against Bayern Munich.

Arbeloa’s biggest success story

Arbeloa has played a key role in Thiago’s career. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Few players illustrate Arbeloa’s influence on Real Madrid’s academy better than Pitarch.

The coach oversaw every major milestone in the midfielder’s rapid rise at the club, handing him his debut for Juvenil A in January 2025, before giving him his maiden appearance for Castilla in September.

Come February this year, Arbeloa was the one to give Thiago his first-team debut for Real Madrid.

In just over a year, Pitarch progressed through three levels under the same coach, becoming one of Arbeloa’s greatest success stories at La Fabrica.

A move to Fulham would reunite player and coach once again, potentially marking the latest chapter in a partnership that has shaped Pitarch’s career from the very beginning.