Fulham are in advanced discussions to sign forward Gonzalo García from Real Madrid, with the move being heavily influenced by new Fulham head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, according to a report by The Athletic.
García’s future at the Bernabéu has been uncertain for several months, initially slated for a potential departure before the arrival of José Mourinho. However, Mourinho opted to evaluate the 22-year-old during pre-season before making a final decision regarding his role within the squad.
Mourinho has carefully assessed his squad since taking charge, and while he reportedly rates García’s abilities, the presence of Kylian Mbappé as the focal point of the attack limits the guarantee of regular first-team minutes, The Athletic reports. The decision regarding García’s future has therefore been left to the player himself, though recent reports from COPE suggested Mourinho was open to keeping García – creating a potentially tight timeframe for a resolution.
Real Madrid are expected to protect their investment in García, and any deal will likely include a buy-back clause or matching rights, a common practice when allowing academy graduates to depart. García recently signed a contract extension through 2030 after being awarded the Club World Cup Golden Boot last summer, strengthening Madrid’s negotiating position.
Fulham are seeking to bolster their attacking options following the departure of Raúl Jiménez, and García has emerged as a priority target. The opportunity for consistent playing time at Fulham represents a significant draw for García, who needs regular game time to continue his development, something not guaranteed amidst Madrid’s competitive forward line.
The next step involves Fulham submitting a formal offer that meets Real Madrid’s conditions, likely including a buy-back or matching rights clause. Ultimately, García’s personal decision will be crucial, as Mourinho has been unable to promise a prominent role in the team. Arbeloa’s existing relationship with García may prove to be a decisive factor in persuading the player to choose Fulham.
