Jorge Cestero of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
This summer has seen many young Real Madrid starlets leave the club in search of regular minutes, with the pathway to the first team almost non-existent.
Both Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios left Los Blancos to join former manager Alvaro Arbeloa at Fulham.
The duo have already become starters for the Cottagers and played against Chelsea last night, with Gonzalo getting one of Fulham’s goals.
Now, according to The Athletic, Jorge Cestero could be one of the next young Madrid players to leave in search of regular minutes.
The 20-year-old, who is also wanted by Lille in Ligue 1, is considering a move to Italy.
Italy emerges as a serious option
Madrid have been looking for a solution for Cestero for some time, despite the academy graduate impressing Jose Mourinho during pre-season.
Gonzalo Garcia and Jorge Cestero of Real Madrid
Jorge Cestero wants to move to Serie A. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Cestero is weighing up several possibilities for the next stage of his development, and Italy has emerged as an attractive destination.
The midfielder is understood to be open to continuing his career there, although no transfer has been finalised.
For Madrid, the priority is likely to be finding a club that gives Cestero consistent minutes rather than leaving him stuck between Castilla and a crowded first team.
Fulham also in the picture
Fulham are another option.
The Premier League club could look to reunite Cestero with Arbeloa, and the familiar connection could help him settle in.
Arbeloa knows the Madrid academy very well and would understand exactly how to bring the best out of Cestero.
David Jimenez and Jorge Cestero, Real Madrid players
Jorge Cestero also has a suitor in Ligue 1. (Picture credit: Real Madrid Official Website)
However, so far, the 20-year-old continues to lean towards a move to Italy.
Mourinho impressed by Cestero
The interesting part of the situation is that Cestero is not being sold because his performances have not been up to the mark.
However, Jose Mourinho is said to have been impressed by him during pre-season and sees a lot of potential in him.
Thus, Madrid want to do what they have done with many other young academy starlets, selling them and keeping control over their future.
The opportunity to get some regular minutes could massively aid Cestero’s development, and it remains to be seen where he moves in this coming week.
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Mikel Arteta is against the idea of selling Martin Zubimendi. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Zubimendi’s links with Real Madrid have no basis. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)