Arbeloa urges Fulham to chase Real Madrid Castilla midfielder

Fulham’s new manager Alvaro Arbeloa is pressing the club to sign 21‑year‑old Cesar Palacios, a Real Madrid Castilla attacking midfielder, to address a shortage of creative options as the Spaniard’s contract expires in 2027 and his senior minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu remain limited.

2027 marks the final year of Cesar Palacios’ contract with Real Madrid, a detail that has intensified Alvaro Arbeloa’s push for Fulham to secure the 21‑year‑old Castilla attacking midfielder for the Premier League. With limited senior minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu, Palacios is unlikely to extend his stay.

The Spanish coach, now Fulham’s manager, has formally asked the club’s hierarchy to explore the move as he builds his squad. According to AS, Arbeloa’s request comes as he begins shaping his squad for the upcoming season.

Palacios is expected to leave Real Madrid despite having started pre‑season with the first team. The expectation remains that he will spend next season away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Earlier this summer, the 21‑year‑old reached a verbal agreement with Como, but the transfer collapsed before contracts were signed. Clubs such as FC Porto and Osasuna have shown interest, yet none have progressed far enough to secure a deal. Palacios has returned to the Valdebebas training complex to evaluate his options alongside Real Madrid.

Arbeloa knows Palacios well, having managed him at Castilla and with Real Madrid’s first team. Arbeloa handed the 21‑year‑old his senior debut with Los Blancos in January, and Palacios made seven appearances in total.

Fulham’s board is now evaluating the proposal, weighing the midfielder’s contract situation and the club’s need for Premier League creativity. Arbeloa also indicated interest in other Real Madrid prospects Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono, while Jose Mourinho, his replacement at Real Madrid, plans to review the youngsters in pre‑season before deciding their futures.