After bringing Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios to Fulham, Alvaro Arbeloa has now identified a third Real Madrid youngster, Thiago Pitarch, as another priority.

The midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season and, now, according to Cadena SER, Fulham are showing concrete interest in the 18-year-old midfield prodigy.

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As such, Real Madrid now face a decision: cash in on one of La Fabrica’s brightest prospects or continue backing his development at the club.

A breakthrough season at the Bernabeu

Pitarch was one of the positives for Real Madrid last season. The academy graduate made his senior bow against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League under Arbeloa.

Interestingly, Benfica were managed that night by Jose Mourinho, who is now Pitarch’s head coach at Real Madrid.

Pitarch is a concrete target for Fulham. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

From there, the youngster’s progress accelerated. He steadily earned the trust of the coaching staff, even edging ahead of Eduardo Camavinga and becoming a regular option in midfield rotation.

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He also featured in the Champions League against Bayern Munich, further demonstrating that he was ready to compete at the highest level.

Pitarch also capped off his season by helping Spain win the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, finishing as one of the tournament’s standout performers and the national team’s leading assist provider.

Arbeloa wants a reunion

Arbeloa is now hoping to strengthen Fulham with another familiar face. Following the arrivals of Gonzalo for €40 million and Palacios for a further €10 million, the former Real Madrid defender has made Pitarch his next transfer target.

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For now, Real Madrid are not ruling out negotiations.

Pitarch is currently recovering from an injury. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

The club have invested heavily this summer, including the signing of Yan Diomande for a reported €125 million fixed fee plus €15 million in add-ons, and are exploring ways to balance their finances.

Pitarch’s departure is neither planned nor considered necessary, but the club would be prepared to study any offer that satisfies all parties.

The coming days are expected to be decisive in determining the outcome of the operation.

As for Pitarch, his position remains unchanged. The midfielder, currently recovering from an injury sustained in pre-season, is prepared to accept whichever decision Real Madrid believe is best for his future.