Fulham are making advances to sign Real Madrid’s Gonzalo García, after Álvaro Arbeloa identified him as a transfer target.
Two days ago, we relayed news that José Mourinho has given the green light for him to leave this summer.
On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that the striker is now leaning towards Fulham.
This has seen the London club step up their efforts to secure his services.
Fulham prepared to overspend
Thursday’s edition of AS claims the Premier League side are getting increasingly closer to signing the 22-year-old.
Both Real Madrid and Fulham are ‘getting closer to an agreement’ for Gonzalo García’s permanent transfer.
The Spain international has a contract until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at €30m. The La Liga giants are asking for the same figure, but for 50% of his rights… and could reach €60m for his full rights.
Fulham are ready to ‘pay more than his asking price’, mainly to please Álvaro Arbeloa. The manager knows Gonzalo from his time with Real Madrid’s youth and first teams.
Main obstacle for Fulham
The frontman has been training under José Mourinho and taking his performances and attitude into account, Real Madrid want to maintain control over his future.
In short, Los Blancos only want to sell 50% of his rights to Fulham and secure a buyback clause. This is similar to what Madrid have done with multiple players in recent years. Perhaps the most notable is Como’s Nico Paz.
However, the Premier League side, who have shown ‘substantial interest’, want 100% of the Spaniard’s rights.
Álvaro Arbeloa wants to build a team around Gonzalo García and doesn’t want the threat of losing him next summer or in 2028.
The difference in percentage and buyback rights is the main obstacle between the two clubs. There’s belief the parties will come to an understanding soon.
The newspaper claims the clubs are ‘getting closer to an agreement’. It remains to seen who will compromise in the end.
Key transfer points
- Two days ago, Mourinho gave the green light
- Gonzalo open to Premier League side’s offer
- Real Madrid want to sell 50% of his rights
- Fulham want his full rights, ready to offer more
