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Real Madrid forward Gonzalo García is reportedly in negotiations to move to Fulham, where he would be reunited with his former manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
European clubs have had their eyes on Gonzalo ever since his standout showing at last summer's Club World Cup, but Los Blancos were reluctant to let the youngster go, retaining him with the senior squad as Kylian Mbappé's understudy while Endrick was away on loan at Lyon.
Much of Gonzalo's rise was shaped by Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa, making the Premier League the most natural landing spot for the No. 9 should he approve a move away from the Spanish capital. While Chelsea were finalizing a record-breaking deal for Morgan Rogers, Fulham were quietly working on a far less publicized pursuit of Gonzalo.
The Athletic reports that Arbeloa is "actively" chasing the 22-year-old he guided at both Real Madrid Castilla and later with the first team. Discussions between Gonzalo and Fulham are advancing, with the final call ultimately resting with the player.
New Real Madrid manager José Mourinho "liked" what he observed from Gonzalo, but could not promise a "prominent role" for the striker next season, seemingly nudging him toward the exit and in the direction of Craven Cottage.
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Fellow Real Madrid Outcast Could Join Gonzalo at Fulham
Arbeloa's determined pursuit of Gonzalo signals that the striker is his primary target. The 22-year-old netted 13 goals in 51 appearances with the Real Madrid first team after turning heads with an outstanding 2023–24 season at Castilla, where he set a record with 25 goals.
Gonzalo may not be the only Real Madrid player Arbeloa lures to west London, however. Recent reports suggest Franco Mastantuono is also on Fulham's radar. The Argentine arrived at Real Madrid last summer but struggled to establish himself in the side, managing just three goals in 35 appearances.
There is a general consensus that a loan move would be the most productive route for Mastantuono's development, rather than having him stagnate on the bench collecting scraps of playing time in already-settled matches.
Linking up with Arbeloa could be an appealing option, particularly if Mastantuono already has a connection with Gonzalo. Fulham, for their part, would benefit greatly from another attacking addition following the departure of Raúl Jiménez.
How Gonzalo's Potential Departure Impacts Real Madrid
Losing Gonzalo to Fulham would not leave Real Madrid in a difficult position. The striker is undeniably a sharp finisher and a natural No. 9, but he currently sits third in the depth chart behind Mbappé and Endrick.
The Brazilian is expected to reclaim the iconic number nine shirt next season, the clearest sign of his standing within the squad after his explosive spell at Lyon. Endrick registered eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances for the French club, earning a spot on Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.
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Now a considerably more seasoned player, Endrick is poised to finally leave his mark at the Bernabéu, leaving little space for Gonzalo. Rather than the former Real Madrid Castilla star occupying a place in Mourinho's squad, he can further develop his career in the Premier League under a contract that would likely include a sell-on clause and a buy-back option for Los Blancos.
Furthermore, the 15-time European champions would welcome the incoming transfer fee as they continue to scout the market for additional midfield and center-back reinforcements.