Arbeloa sets sights on third Real Madrid youngster for Fulham; player open to reunionFulhams summer business with Real Madrid may not be over just yet. After completing deals for Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, the Premier League club has now identified Thiago Pitarch as another priority signing.Indeed, with Alvaro Arbeloa now leading Fulhams project, the English side continues to look towards Valdebebas for reinforcements, and Pitarch has become the latest academy player on their radar, reports MARCA.Move progressing at a slower paceUnlike the transfers of Gonzalo and Palacios, negotiations for Pitarch are expected to take longer.Fulham are currently focused on strengthening several positions and continue to pursue other midfield targets, including Shea Charles, whose club Southampton value him at around 30 million.Pitarchs recent knee injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks, has also reduced the urgency surrounding the deal and allowed Fulham to approach negotiations more patiently.Player open to reunion with ArbeloaDespite the slower pace, Fulham are optimistic because Thiago is open to the idea of reuniting with Arbeloa.Thiago open to reuniting with Arbeloa. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Initial discussions have already taken place between the club and Pitarchs representatives, with the midfielder said to be enthusiastic about joining his former coach alongside Gonzalo and Palacios.From Fulhams perspective, convincing the player is not expected to be an obstacle.Mourinhos arrival changes the picturePitarchs future at Real Madrid became less certain following Arbeloas departure.Although he has been involved in Jose Mourinhos pre-season plans, Real Madrid currently see him as a player for Castilla rather than someone expected to establish himself immediately in the first team.That uncertainty has encouraged the midfielder to seriously consider a move where regular senior football could accelerate his development.Pitarch enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough last season, earning significant opportunities in the senior squad.He made 16 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, starting several important matches, including both legs of the European tie against Manchester City and the first leg against Bayern Munich.Arbeloas biggest success storyArbeloa has played a key role in Thiagos career. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Few players illustrate Arbeloas influence on Real Madrids academy better than Pitarch.The coach oversaw every major milestone in the midfielders rapid rise at the club, handing him his debut for Juvenil A in January 2025, before giving him his maiden appearance for Castilla in September. Come February this year, Arbeloa was the one to give Thiago his first-team debut for Real Madrid.In just over a year, Pitarch progressed through three levels under the same coach, becoming one of Arbeloas greatest success stories at La Fabrica.A move to Fulham would reunite player and coach once again, potentially marking the latest chapter in a partnership that has shaped Pitarchs career from the very beginning.