Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa is working to sign Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Jorge Cestero as he continues to raid his former club's youth academy during the summer transfer window.
According to Fichajes.net, the Premier League side is considering submitting a formal offer for the 20-year-old central midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Arbeloa spent several years working within the Real Madrid sporting structure at Valdebebas before taking charge at Fulham. Real Madrid, who currently have José Mourinho managing the first team, operate their reserve side Castilla in the lower divisions of Spanish football.
Previous transfers from Valdebebas
The potential move for Cestero follows Fulham's double acquisition of two other Real Madrid academy products on August 3.
Forward Gonzalo completed a transfer to Craven Cottage for a fee close to 40 million euros fixed plus 2 million euros in variables. The Spain Under-21 international had found first-team playing time difficult to secure under Mourinho and was an express request from Arbeloa. Gonzalo signed a contract through 2031 with an option for an additional season, while Real Madrid retained a 30 percent sell-on clause and a right of first refusal.
Minutes after Gonzalo's departure was confirmed, Fulham announced the signing of 21-year-old midfielder César Palacios. The Soria-born player also agreed a contract running until 2031 with an option for another year, with Real Madrid securing a buy-back option in the deal.
Gonzalo is set to make his official debut for Fulham on August 24 at Craven Cottage against a Chelsea team coached by former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Jorge Cestero's profile and valuation
Cestero joined the youth setup at Real Madrid in 2019 after previously playing for Real Zaragoza. The Zaragoza-born midfielder progressed through the academy and entered first-team training dynamics last season while Arbeloa was still employed in Madrid's sporting structure.
The midfielder remains under contract with the Spanish club until June 30, 2028, and carries an estimated market value of around 7.5 million euros.
Arbeloa viewed Cestero as one of his most trusted players in the reserve squad, having previously described him as the best number six in Spain.
Potential deal structure
Fulham are studying a concrete offer that could trigger formal negotiations between the two clubs before the market closes. Although Cestero is under contract until 2028, Real Madrid would not close the door on a transfer under terms similar to the previous deals, retaining a percentage of any future sale alongside a preferential option on the player.
