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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Sam Tabuteau

Fulham suffer transfer blow as alternatives to Real Madrid striker identified

Transfer blow: New Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa was eyeing a reunion with Gonzalo Garcia - (PA)

Fulham have moved on to other targets after being informed that Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia is not for sale.

Standard Sport understands that Fulham attempted to enter negotiations for the 22-year-old but were knocked back by Real Madrid and have now turned their attentions elsewhere in their search for a striker.

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Alvaro Arbeloa had been keen to bring Garcia to Fulham, having worked with the Spanish international while he was interim boss of Real Madrid last season.

During Arbeloa’s short stint in charge, Garcia scored four goals in all competitions and earned his first and to date only senior Spain cap, playing 45 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Iran.

Garcia was not called up to Spain’s squad as they lifted the World Cup by beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time.

Not for sale: Gonzalo Garcia (Getty)
Not for sale: Gonzalo Garcia (Getty)

While Fulham took up their option to make Jonah Kusi Asare’s move to the club permanent last month, they have still yet to sign a single new player this summer.

Depth in attack is a priority for the Whites after losing Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez upon the expiry of their contracts.

Wilson and Jimenez scored 19 Premier League goals between them last season as Fulham finished 11th.

Fulham were taken by surprise when Marco Silva announced he would leave Fulham once his contract expired in June.

The club then underwent a lengthy process to find his successor before eventually appointing Arbeloa at the start of July.

Discussions took place between Arbeloa and the club about potential targets when they were in negotiations about appointing him as manager.

A new striker and a winger are seen as the two main signings Fulham need to complete before the end of the transfer window.

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