Alvaro Arbeloa has work to do with former club Real Madrid if he wants sign Franco Mastantuono for Fulham this summer.
Defensa Central and journalist José Miguel Villarroya cover the situation today and how signing the 18-year-old may not be an easy deal to get over the line.
Arbeloa’s transfer plans
Arbeloa was confirmed as Fulham’s new manager last week following Marco Silva’s departure earlier this summer.
The Spanish coach will want to put his stamp on the squad he has inherited. That’s particularly necessary with several high-profile departures from Fulham this summer such as Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez.
That need for signings has quickly seen reports link him with his former players at Real Madrid. Sport Witness have already covered various reports to that effect.
The first of those explained that Arbeloa was keen on Real Madrid youngster Manuel Ángel.
A second report then insisted that César Palacios was on the Spaniard’s transfer wish list as well. Separate reports have then thrown Franco Mastantuono into the mix as well.
Real Madrid plans
Franco Mastantuono
But according to Villarroya, the Argentine may be out of Fulham’s grasp. He’s been told that Real Madrid have grander ambitions for the Argentine this summer.
“There are rumours that Arbeloa’s Fulham are looking to sign some of the academy players whom Arbeloa brought into the first team and gave their debuts whilst he was there,” he said.
“Obviously, there is talk that, should Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo fail to impress Mourinho, Fulham could well be an option for them.
“But in Mastantuono’s case, what I’m being told is that they’d prefer him to join a team competing in European competitions.”
That obviously sounds quite negative for Fulham. However, it may not be entirely over. Florentino Perez has long had a soft spot for Arbeloa, and a personal phone call assuring minutes and progress is worth a try.
From Mastantuono’s perspective, he’s worked with the manager before. That’s another positive for Fulham to cling to.
Key points on transfer
Fulham would be starting from a disadvantaged point
Need to use Arbeloa personal connections
Mastantuono can play on the right or through the middle
Real Madrid would almost certainly want a loan fee