Álvaro Arbeloa Set to Beat Thomas Frank to Become New Fulham Manager

Fulham are closing in on the appointment of former Liverpool and Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

SportsBoom understands the Spaniard is now within touching distance of taking over at Craven Cottage following Marco Silva's departure to Benfica earlier this summer.

Arbeloa, 43, is currently one of the most highly-rated young coaches in Spanish football after impressing in Real Madrid's academy set-up since retiring from playing in 2017.

The former Spain international worked his way through the youth ranks at the Bernabeu and enhanced his growing reputation during his spell in charge of Castilla.

Arbeloa led the club to the Champions League quarter-finals and a second-place finish in the domestic league before announcing he would step down at the end of the season. His departure was officially confirmed on June 9, and renowned José Mourinho returned for a second spell in charge 

His success in developing young players and producing attractive, attacking football has seen him linked with a host of senior jobs across Europe.

Now, Fulham appear ready to hand him his biggest opportunity yet.

GLITTERING CAREER

Arbeloa enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning the World Cup in 2010 and lifting the European Championship twice with Spain in 2008 and 2012.

He also tasted huge success at club level, winning two Champions League titles and a La Liga crown during his time with Real Madrid.

The Cottagers have been searching for a new boss since Marco Silva brought the curtain down on his five-year spell in West London to take charge of Portuguese giants Benfica.

Silva guided Fulham back to the Premier League and established them as a top-flight force, leaving club chiefs with a huge decision over who should succeed him.

Former Brentford boss Thomas Frank is understood to have been interviewed during the recruitment process, but Arbeloa has emerged as the leading candidate.

QUICK APPOINTMENT

Fulham are keen to make an appointment quickly with the new season fast approaching and preparations already underway.

SportsBoom understands an announcement confirming Arbeloa's arrival could now be imminent.

The Spaniard's pedigree as both a player and coach has impressed Fulham's hierarchy, who believe he has the qualities required to build on the foundations left behind by Silva.

If the deal is completed as expected, it will mark a stunning return to English football for the former Liverpool defender and one of the most eye-catching managerial appointments of the summer.