Angel joins Arbeloa's squad on loan from Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa is wasting no time reshaping his squad. After a quiet first summer in charge, the former Real Madrid defender has turned repeatedly to Valdebebas – and he has gone back again.
Having already brought in Shea Charles and Real Madrid duo Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, Arbeloa has now landed another familiar face: 22-year-old midfielder Angel.
Arbeloa reunites with his captain
Angel arrives on an initial one-year loan, with the deal set to become permanent for £18.3m. The club have confirmed he will then sign a long-term contract.
The move reunites him with Arbeloa, who made Angel captain of his Real Madrid Castilla side before promoting him to the first team mid-season. Under Arbeloa’s watch, the midfielder broke through, making four La Liga appearances and featuring in the Champions League.
The trust between the pair runs deep. Angel spoke openly about the bond forged at Real Madrid’s academy and the standards his coach demands.
“I’ve known him for many years from the Real Madrid youth academy, and he’s a coach who brings out the best in players, gets the most out of each one and, most importantly, understands them.
“Now, he’s going to be coaching me at a higher level, and I must give him the same intensity and commitment – or even more – than ever before.”
Arbeloa, beaten in both of his first two Premier League matches, has clearly turned to what he knows best: players who understand his methods and tempo.
A title-winner stepping into a key role
Angel arrives with pedigree. Previously a Swedish league and cup champion with Malmo, the 22-year-old is expected to step into the void left by Sasa Lukic, who joined Ipswich Town on a permanent deal earlier this summer.
The club see Angel as a long-term piece in midfield, not a short-term patch. His versatility and experience at European level, despite his age, give Arbeloa another option as he tries to steady the early-season wobble.
For the player, the move marks a major step in his career.
“It’s a very proud moment for me and my family – I’m honoured to be here,” he said after signing his new contract.
Angel is not the only fresh face pushing for a quick impact. Both he and Larsson are targeting immediate debuts, with Fulham hosting Crystal Palace this weekend. Under the lights, in front of a demanding home crowd, Arbeloa’s new core will get an early chance to show whether this summer’s raid on Valdebebas can change the direction of their season.
