Madrid prospects in play as Fulham pushes for two Real Madrid talents
The Cottagers want the striker permanently but are still preparing their offer and the striker’s decision. The Argentinian is considering a loan.
Real Madrid’s preseason is barely underway, and two young players — Gonzalo and Franco Mastantuono — are already at the center of major decisions that could shape their futures. José Mourinho wants both prospects in camp before sitting down with them to define their roles in his new project. But Fulham, led by former Madrid academy coach Álvaro Arbeloa, is pushing hard from London to bring both players to the Premier League.
Gonzalo: Fulham wants a permanent deal
Fulham’s interest in Gonzalo is the most aggressive. The club is preparing a full transfer offer that they hope will convince Real Madrid to sell.
Gonzalo’s first instinct is to stay and fight for a place under Mourinho this summer — especially before the transfer window closes — but he knows minutes will be scarce. With Kylian Mbappé and Endrick ahead of him, his opportunities could be limited.
The Premier League is a long‑held dream for the young forward, and the chance to reunite with Arbeloa — who helped elevate his game both in Madrid’s academy and during his first‑team appearances — makes the move even more tempting.
Mastantuono: crowded competition on the right
Franco Mastantuono faces a similar dilemma. The right side of Madrid’s attack is stacked, especially if Mourinho settles on a 4‑2‑3‑1. Competing with Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, and Rodrygo for the right‑side playmaker role is a steep climb for an 18‑year‑old still developing his game.
His representatives worry about a familiar pattern: young players signed by Madrid, loaned out, and never fully breaking through when they return.
Fulham’s proposal for Mastantuono is a straight one‑season loan, keeping Madrid in full control of his long‑term future. Other clubs are circling too — including River Plate, his former team, and Como, where Jacobo Ramón and Nico Paz impressed last season.
The deal with the biggest financial upside
The move that could bring the most money into Madrid’s coffers is Gonzalo’s. Everything hinges on Fulham’s final offer and a decisive conversation between Mourinho and the striker. Only then will Gonzalo make his choice.
In both cases — Gonzalo and Mastantuono — Arbeloa is the driving force behind Fulham’s push, determined to secure both players for the club’s Premier League campaign.
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