Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly keen to bring highly-rated Real Madrid midfielder Jorge Cestero to Craven Cottage, with the 20-year-old firmly on his radar ahead of future transfer windows.

Reports from Fichajes suggest no formal talks or official approach have taken place yet, but Cestero’s profile fits neatly into Arbeloa’s well-documented preference for signing graduates of Madrid’s famed academy, La Fabrica.

Having spent years working within Real Madrid’s youth set-up, Arbeloa knows Cestero intimately from his time coaching at Valdebebas. The Spaniard made his senior debut back in December 2025, earning minutes in both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey under Arbeloa’s guidance — a relationship that could now work in Fulham’s favour.

Cestero’s Rise Through the Ranks

Cestero arrived at Real Madrid’s academy in 2019 following his development at Real Zaragoza. A central midfielder by trade, he has racked up 38 appearances for Real Castilla, chipping in with five goal contributions along the way.

He remains a key figure for Castilla this season, netting in a 2-0 win over Juventus on 5 September before featuring in their following Primera Federación fixture against Águilas.

Track Record Suggests Genuine Interest

Arbeloa has already convinced Fulham to sign Manuel Ángel, Gonzalo García and César Palacios from Real Madrid, proving he isn’t afraid to back his judgement on academy talent. Cestero feels a natural fit for that pattern.

That said, any move would hinge entirely on Real Madrid’s willingness to sell — Cestero is tied down until 2028 and valued at roughly €7.5 million, giving Los Blancos full control of the situation.

Having already strengthened their midfield with Shea Charles, Hugo Larsson and Manuel Ángel this summer, Fulham appear in no rush, and are likely to weigh their options carefully before making any concrete move for the young Spaniard.