Arbeloa's influence on Fulham's transfer strategy shows as he is reunited with two former proteges.

Fulham have announced the double signings of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios from Real Madrid.

Garcia, a 22-year-old Spanish striker, joins the Cottagers on a 5-year deal and became Alvaro Arbeloa's first new signing for around 10 minutes!

Garcia’s announcement was swiftly followed by news of Palacios’s arrival. Palacios has also penned a five-year deal and operates primarily as an attacking midfielder but can also play on the wing.

Taking Fulham’s number seven shirt from the departed Raul Jimenez, Garcia departs Los Blancos after scoring 13 goals in 51 appearances for the senior side, most notably a perfect hat-trick of a left-footed goal, right-footed goal and header in a 5-1 win over Real Betis.

Replacing Harry Wilson as Fulham’s number eight, Palacios saw less first-team action than his Spanish compatriot, making only seven first-team appearances.

How Arbeloa Reunited With Two Former Real Madrid Proteges

Both are exciting young players who are Real Madrid academy graduates and rose through the youth system under the guidance of a certain Arbeloa.

After progressing through the Under-19s, it was under Arbeloa’s tutelage in Madrid’s Castilla side where both players truly established themselves.

Across five seasons, Garcia made 73 appearances for Castilla and contributed 30 goals. This included a prolific 2024-25 campaign where he netted a stunning 25 goals in 36 matches.

Palacios played 72 games for Castilla and notched 18 goals. Like his new Fulham teammate, he enjoyed a particularly excellent individual season. Last campaign, he scored 15 goals from midfield in 32 matches.

Both were elevated to the senior team regularly when his mentor Arbeloa took over first-team affairs following the sacking of Xabi Alonso. Fulham have reportedly paid £40 million for Garcia’s services and £10 million for Palacios.

Handed his senior Spanish debut in a friendly before the World Cup, Garcia has scored six times in seven under-21 appearances for his country.

What Gonzalo Garcia And Cesar Palacios Will Bring To Fulham

Following the departure of the reliable and underrated Raul Jimenez, strengthening in forward positions was undoubtedly a priority for Arbeloa upon taking charge of London’s oldest football club.

Garcia is a contemporary, dynamic striker who has demonstrated excellent composure and aerial ability during his fledgling career.

Known for his high work rate and intelligent positional awareness, Garcia will be hoping to slot into Arbeloa’s high-intensity, high-press attacking system and act as the main attacking catalyst for the Arbeloa evolution on the Banks of the Thames.

With competition for Josh King and Emile Smith Rowe for attacking midfield positions, Palacios faces a tougher challenge when it comes to securing regular minutes.

However, his ability to provide elegant link-up play, coupled with sharp spatial awareness, will make him a real danger to opposition defenders.