​New Fulham head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has identified a second Real Madrid first-team member as a potential addition to his squad for next season. The player in question is Franco Mastantuono. Arbeloa, fresh from taking charge of Fulham in his first permanent managerial role, is already looking beyond the current campaign for reinforcements for the 2026/27 season. After spending a portion of last season on the bench at Real Madrid, the Spaniard has returned his attention to his former club in search of players who could bolster his squad.
In recent days, Fulham have been mentioned as a possible destination for forward Gonzalo García, but they are also reportedly eyeing Mastantuono. According to a BBC report cited by talkSPORT, Fulham are considering a loan move for teenage midfielder Mastantuono. The Argentine international’s challenging first year at the Bernabéu has left room for the possibility that Real Madrid might loan him out for the next 12 months to gain valuable first-team experience.
The idea of Mastantuono leaving on loan fits a broader pattern of Real Madrid’s recent loan philosophy, particularly for young talents who need regular game time to develop. For Arbeloa, bringing in a young midfielder with potential could align with Fulham’s strategic aims of strengthening the squad depth and providing a pathway for promising players to acclimate to Premier League football. The prospect of Mastantuono joining Fulham on a temporary basis would also mirror existing loan models, wherein clubs leverage short-term arrangements to assess compatibility and performance before any longer-term commitments.
As Arbeloa continues to shape his inaugural Fulham squad for the 2026/27 season, the emphasis appears to be on combining experienced elements with rising stars who can adapt quickly to the demands of top-flight English football. Mastantuono’s perceived talent and his connection to Real Madrid make him a profile that could appeal to Fulham’s coaching staff, should a loan arrangement prove feasible and beneficial for all parties involved.
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