Arbeloa faces Real Madrid hurdle in Franco Mastantuono move

Álvaro Arbeloa may have to use his strong relationship with Real Madrid if Fulham are to have any chance of signing Franco Mastantuono this summer.

The new Fulham manager has already been linked with several players he previously worked with in Madrid, but Mastantuono appears to be the most difficult deal of the lot.

Real Madrid reportedly have different plans for the 18-year-old and would prefer to send him to a club competing in Europe if he leaves this summer.

Arbeloa was appointed as Fulham’s new manager last week following Marco Silva’s departure earlier in the summer.

The Spaniard has inherited a squad that needs reinforcements after several important exits, including Harry Wilson and Raúl Jiménez. Unsurprisingly, his previous connections at Real Madrid have quickly influenced the early transfer speculation.

Fulham have already been linked with Manuel Ángel and César Palacios, two players Arbeloa knows well from his time in Madrid.

Mastantuono is another name now being discussed.

The Argentine previously worked under Arbeloa, giving Fulham a potentially important advantage if the player becomes available. However, convincing Real Madrid appears to be the bigger challenge.

Journalist José Miguel Villarroya claims Real Madrid would prefer Mastantuono to join a club involved in European competition.

“There are rumours that Arbeloa’s Fulham are looking to sign some of the academy players whom Arbeloa brought into the first team and gave their debuts whilst he was there,” Villarroya said.

He added that Fulham could become an option for Mastantuono if the youngster fails to convince José Mourinho, but revealed the main obstacle facing Arbeloa.

“In Mastantuono’s case, what I’m being told is that they’d prefer him to join a team competing in European competitions.”

That position puts Fulham at an immediate disadvantage.

The London club can offer Premier League football and a manager who already knows Mastantuono, but they cannot provide European competition. Real Madrid may believe regular exposure at that level would be better for the youngster’s development.

Fulham’s hopes may not be completely over.

Arbeloa has a strong relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, and a personal conversation about Mastantuono’s role and expected playing time could help the Premier League club make their case.

The manager’s existing relationship with the player is another positive.

At 18, Mastantuono needs regular minutes, and Arbeloa can offer familiarity during what would be a major move to English football. If Fulham can present a clear development plan, they may still have a chance of changing Real Madrid’s position.

However, the situation remains difficult. European clubs would have a clear advantage if Madrid make continental football a condition of any temporary or permanent departure.

For now, Arbeloa has work to do.

Fulham must convince Real Madrid that regular Premier League minutes under Arbeloa would be more valuable for Mastantuono than a move to a club competing in Europe.

Much could depend on the youngster’s position in Madrid’s plans and whether other clubs make concrete offers. Arbeloa’s relationship with both the player and Florentino Pérez gives Fulham something to work with, but the current preference for European football remains a significant obstacle.

Should Real Madrid trust Arbeloa with Mastantuono’s development, or would a move to a European club make more sense?