The FFC Rumour Mill: Fulham look at Mason Mount

Jack Stroudley looks at the latest transfer rumours.

So, here we are then. Arbeloa is confirmed and now we can finally focus on the key matters at hand. In his first interview with the club he stated that we need signings in sooner rather than later (a tale as old as time).

We’re all well aware of the work that Arbeloa will need to do and with Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson both out the door. Signings need to come in sooner rather than later - let’s take a look at the last week of rumours.

Incomings

Sky Sports have reported that Arbeloa has identified centre forward, wingers and central midfielders as the key areas Fulham need to improve on this summer. The former Real Madrid boss also wants to bring in multiple La Castilla graduates to Craven Cottage with forward Gonzalo Garcia once again mentioned who has emerged as a leading target.

The other rumour that’s building up steam is Franco Mastantuono, with Argentinian outlets reporting that Fulham have submitted a request for the forward. The source also reports that Arbeloa has given the 18 year old assurances about game time.

Arbeloa is also looking for a right-back and Jack Kelly has reported that Fulham have enquired about Norwegian Torino right-back Marcus Pedersen.

TalkSport have claimed that Fulham and Crystal Palace have joined the race for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles. Leeds United have already had two bids rejected for the Northern Irishman so Fulham will need to act quickly. Personally, I think we need to be all over this. He would be a fantastic signing.

Staying in midfield, TalkSport have claimed that Fulham hold an interest in free agent and former Tottenham and Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma. FulhamTransfer has also reported on this and said that Bissouma was at Motspur Park on Tuesday for training. Sky have nipped this one in the bud though and suggested he’s only at MP for fitness and he won’t be signing. In a boring SCR world, bringing in an experienced Premier League midfielder on a free to help raise the squad floor wouldn’t be a bad signing (if he impresses in his fleeting visit to Motspur Park).

TeamTalk have reported that Fulham are among a number of Premier League clubs that have made an enquiry for Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount. Michael Carrick has rejected all enquiries for the 27 year old and wants to keep Mount at Old Trafford next season.

Turkish outlets are once again reporting about Fulham’s interest in Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, with Arbeloa’s side putting in a reported €30m bid and some outlets reporting personal terms have already been agreed. This is a rumour that won’t go away in Turkey with multiple bids reportedly rejected and now a €30m offer said to be submitted. The fact no one in England is covering this saga reduces it’s credibility for me, but it’s certainly one to watch - especially given that Nwaiwu liked a Fulham-related post on Wednesday.

Looking at the academy now, Macauley Zepa has signed his first professional contract, and Fabrizio Romano has reported that Fulham have agreed a deal with Celtic to sign 16-year-old Erskine Rennie who turned down a number of clubs to sign for Fulham. Sky followed this up by saying Rennie will sign a three-year-deal and the Scottish side will receive £100k in compensation.

Outgoings

Not a rumour as such but one to keep an eye on. Romano has reported that Manchester United are looking to add another midfielder alongside the confirmed Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Their pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Ederson seems to have halted, so maybe they’ll have another look at Sander Berge.

Elsewhere, youngster Alfie McNally is reportedly heading to League Two’s York City on loan following the Minstermen’s promotion from the National League last season.