Marca: Fulham nears €60M Gonzalo deal, but Mourinho blocks transfer

Published Jul 29, 06:50 AM UTC

According to Marca, Fulham FC, managed by former Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa, is close to meeting Real Madrid's €60 million asking price for forward Gonzalo. Arbeloa, who coached Gonzalo at Real Madrid's youth level, views him as the centerpiece of Fulham's rebuild and has promised him a starring role. Fulham is even willing to accept Real Madrid's 'retain 50% ownership' clause. However, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has been impressed by Gonzalo's performances in training and warm-up matches, including a stunning goal, and sees him as a rare target-man striker. Mourinho's opposition has created a dilemma for Real Madrid, which could use the sale to ease financial pressure from recent signings but also values Gonzalo's current form amid a crowded forward line. Last season, Gonzalo's Club World Cup heroics (4 goals, Golden Boot) forced his way into the first team, even leading to Endrick's loan. Now, with Mbappé and Endrick returning, Gonzalo remains the only forward in top form, complicating any potential sale.