We are less than a week away from the transfer window closing and Fulham have work to do.
There were encouraging signs in our 3-2 defeat against Chelsea, but one thing is apparent: we need defensive reinforcements. The midfield balance was a bit off and Fulham were caught out time and time again on Monday night.
Arbeloa confirmed during his pre AFC Wimbledon presser that he’s been speaking to the club about signings over the weekend and we know Fulham love a frantic end of the window. This is setting up to be another one of those. Here’s how the land lies with potential incomings.
Incomings
Ahead of Monday night, Tony Khan spoke to TalkSport and confirmed Fulham were still in the market for signings. “I will still do business in this window absolutely. I am definitely working to do more Fulham business in this transfer window. It's something we will continue to talk about later tonight after (Monday’s) match."
Luca Cerchione confirmed that Fulham had been to scout full-back Raoul Bellanova during Atalanta’s 0-0 draw against Hapoel Tel-Aviv last Thursday, with Nicolo Schira confiming that the Whites are interested in signing the 26-year-old and are ready to submit a new bid.
Looking at centre of defence, FulhamTransfer claimed on Sunday that a deal between Fulham and Rennes for Ait Boudlal would not be agreed due to a difference in valuations between the two sides with Fulham now looking at different options.
Two names that have come up this week with the first being one that Premier League fans will know. Nicolo Schira reported on Friday that Fulham hold an interest in AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, who is not in Ruben Amorim’s plans. The second comes from France with Fulham and Crystal Palace both seriously interested in Paris FC defender Moustapha Mbow.
The final rumour of the week comes from The Athletic, which claims Fulham considering a move for Real Madrid midfielder Jorge Cestro. It’s all a little bit quiet at the moment and with Fulham looking to bring in multiple players before the end of the window, surely we’ll see TK pull his finger out in the coming days.
Outgoings
There aren’t any outgoing rumours from the past week, but I imagine we’ll see a few as the window draws to its conclusion. If Fulham are pushing as heavy for a right-back as rumours suggest you’d imagine that will require one of Timothy Castagne or Kenny Tete to leave.
If another centre-back comes in, will that open the door for Luc De Fougerolles to head out on loan? If we bring another midfielder in, does that close the door for someone like Harrison Reed?
There ar a lot of moving parts - it could be a frantic end to the window.
Losing Timmo would be a mistake in my humble opinion.
I think we may be suprised with one or 2 bigger names leaving next week if buyers can be found and agreements made. Don't be shocked to see an Iwobi, Smith-Rowe or Berge leaving.