Fulham have now held club-to-club talks with Real Madrid to sign Cesar Palacios, with new manager Alvaro Arbeloa personally keen.
The Cottagers want to improve their attack this summer, and Arbeloa is plotting a raid on his former club, with striker Gonzalo Garcia also of interest, after scoring six La Liga goals for the Spanish giants last season.
Palacios isn’t quite as experienced at first-team level, having only made seven senior appearances for Madrid, but he has impressed for RM Castilla, picking up 19 goals and six assists in 77 appearances for the Primera Federacion side.
The attacking midfielder has also impressed for the Spain U19 side in the past, with scout Jacek Kulig lauding him for an “excellent” performance against Greece U19s.
However, at 21-years-old, the Spaniard is now at an age where he needs to be receiving regular game time at senior level, and he appeared for just 81 minutes in La Liga last season.
As such, a move to the Premier League could be enticing, and Arbeloa is now eyeing a reunion with his former player.
Alvaro Arbeloa pushing for Cesar Palacios reunion
According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham have now held club-to-club talks to sign Palacios, with Arbeloa personally keen on signing the Madrid youngster.
The La Liga side still need to give the green light though, and negotiations are currently ongoing. Garcia remains of interest, but he could remain at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Jose Mourinho still yet to make a decision regarding his future.
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Why Fulham need to sign Cesar Palacios |
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Lack of goals last season |
Fulham often struggled to find the net in the Premier League last season, scoring just 47 goals, and Sunderland were the only side that finished in the top 13 to score fewer. As such, signing a playmaker could get the Cottagers firing in front of goal, and Palacios plays in the number 10 role. |
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Performances for RM Castilla |
The starlet has already proven himself as a creative spark, albeit for RM Castilla, rather than the first team. In last season’s Primera Federacion, he set up four goals, while also finding the net on 14 occasions. |
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Close relationship with Alvaro Arbeloa |
It is important that Fulham back their new manager, and Arbeloa is known to have a close relationship with the Madrid youngster. Having spent time managing him at Madrid, the 43-year-old should know how to get the best out of Palacios, which may not be the case if the west Londoners were to sign a player from another club. |
Fulham also major contenders to sign Lois Openda
Improving the forward line is clearly a priority this summer, as Fulham have also stormed into contention to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda, emerging as serious contenders for his signature.
The Cottagers are able to offer a more attractive financial package than rival suitors Lyon, which means they are well-placed to win the race.
