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

Hupu, July 29 – According to Marca, Fulham—managed by former Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa—is actively pursuing Real Madrid forward Gonzalo. Real Madrid has set a price tag of €60 million for the striker, and Fulham's offer is already very close to that figure. Arbeloa has identified his former protégé as the absolute core and "star player" for the club's rebuild in the new season.

As the leader of Fulham's new project, Arbeloa is determined to secure Gonzalo. The two enjoyed a strong partnership during their time together at Real Madrid's youth team, and Arbeloa is well aware of the forward's devastating impact. To persuade Gonzalo to join, Fulham has promised to build the team around him, offering a guaranteed starting role and a central tactical position.

For Gonzalo, this represents a highly tempting proposal. At the Bernabéu, he faces fierce competition from superstars like Kylian Mbappé, while at Fulham, he would have unlimited scoring opportunities.

To facilitate the deal, Fulham is even willing to accept Real Madrid's iconic "retain 50% ownership" clause—allowing Real Madrid to continue earning a share from any future transfer. Additionally, Fulham is close to signing another of Arbeloa's trusted protégés, Real Madrid youth midfielder César Palacios.

From a financial perspective, the substantial funds from selling Gonzalo would greatly alleviate Real Madrid's financial pressure from this summer's signings of Rodri and Diomandé.

However, this seemingly win-win deal has encountered an unexpected obstacle—Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho.

Since the start of "Mourinho's second term" at Real Madrid, Gonzalo's impressive performances in training camps and warm-up matches—including a stunning goal—have impressed the Portuguese manager. Last season, Gonzalo had already won over former coach Xabi Alonso with his performances; now, Mourinho is equally full of praise for the Real Madrid No. 16.

In Mourinho's tactical plans, a striker with strong impact and a pivot role like Gonzalo is extremely rare. If Mourinho ultimately decides to include him in the first-team plans for the new season, Real Madrid is likely to call off the transfer.

Gonzalo is no ordinary player; he has previously broken Real Madrid's "reputation-first" mentality with his actions.

Last season, his dominant performances—scoring four goals in the Club World Cup and winning the Golden Boot—earned him a spot in Real Madrid's first team. His rise even led to the loan of Brazilian talent Endrick to Lyon during the winter transfer window.

Now, after six months of development in France, Endrick has returned, and Mbappé is also set to rejoin the team. But before these stars fully integrate, Gonzalo is the only forward in Real Madrid's first team maintaining excellent form, starting the new season preparations with full energy.

Currently, Real Madrid's forward line is overcrowded. Endrick, Díaz, and Mastantuono are all fighting for playing time, while the severely injured Rodrygo won't return until the end of the year.

In this fierce internal competition, Gonzalo is undoubtedly the biggest winner of the preseason. Just like last summer, he has once again presented the club management with a major dilemma through his flawless performances, leaving Real Madrid torn between maintaining competitive strength and ensuring financial balance.

Source: Marca

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This market is insane Likes (0) | Reply

If it's really €60 million, they should sell Likes (0) | Reply | Expand all replies