After working with Real Madrid youngster Manuel Ángel at the Santiago Bernabeu, incoming Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa is keeping an eye on him.
El Correo report that Arbeloa is keen on the Real Madrid youngster and eyeing him as a potential signing at Craven Cottage this summer.
Real Madrid to Fulham
The newspaper explains that the 22-year-old’s current biggest suitors are Deportivo Alavés. They are on the hunt for midfielders this summer and are scouring the market for additions.
The captain of Real Madrid’s Castilla team is one of the names on their list. They have been tracking him for some time, and the reports they’ve received are very positive.
Manuel Ángel often stands out for his ‘tactical intelligence, vision, and ability to speed up play with his dribbling and precise passing’ according to the newspaper. He also has plenty of experience, already playing in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
Those appearances came under Álvaro Arbeloa, who was his ‘greatest supporter’ at Valdebebas. He’s now set to take charge at Craven Cottage and has the youngster on his radar. There’s no indication of any moves beyond that.
But the 22-year-old is a player that he knows well. In fact, Manuel Ángel has made 40 appearances under the Spanish coach during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu. That includes two appearances against Manchester City in the Champions League last season in Madrid’s win in the last 16. He is clearly a player that the incoming Fulham manager trusts.
Real Madrid want control
A deal may not be difficult to get over the line either. Manuel Ángel only has a year left on his deal at the Spanish giants.
Indeed, they are keen not to lose full control over him. He’s considered a quality player with great potential. Those in charge are considering how to manage his departure.
A contract extension would be their preferred route, but a loan is also an option if that is secured. Alternatively, a sale while retaining a percentage of his registration rights and a buy-back option would also work for them.
That is something for Fulham to potentially look into. Arbeloa is a known fan either way, and continuing to work with him could make sense for Manuel Ángel too.
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