Fulham are pushing to strengthen several areas of their squad before the transfer deadline, with defensive reinforcements now becoming a major priority.
The Cottagers have already been active in midfield, with medicals taking place for Manuel Angel and Hugo Larsson, but Alvaro Arbeloa is also looking for more pace and athleticism at the back.
According to Nizaar Kinsella via X, Fulham are now in advanced talks to sign Elche centre-back David Affengruber, with club officials confident they can complete the move before the deadline.
Fulham confident of completing Affengruber deal
Affengruber has emerged as a serious late target as Fulham search for a quick central defender capable of fitting Arbeloa’s preferred style of play. The 25-year-old has been a regular for Elche this season, making 35 La Liga appearances and earning recognition at international level with Austria.
His form has also helped him break into the national-team picture, with the defender earning his first senior cap earlier this year. Fulham’s interest has now progressed beyond the exploratory stage, with talks understood to be advanced and confidence growing that an agreement can be reached in time.
Contract situation could help Fulham
Elche are also under some pressure to make a decision over Affengruber’s future. The Austrian defender’s current contract expires next summer, meaning the Spanish club risk losing him for nothing if they refuse to sell and fail to agree fresh terms.
That situation could give Fulham additional leverage during negotiations and Affengruber has been described as an exceptional performer in Spain and his combination of age, speed and first-team experience appears to match the profile Fulham are looking for.
The Cottagers are also attempting to sign a right-back, which could potentially open the door for Kenny Tete to move to Everton before the window closes. However, the Toffees are seemingly prioritising signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles, having already reached an agreement to sign the Lyon utility man.
Affengruber is entering the final year of his contract, is already proven at La Liga level and fits the specific requirement for a quicker centre-back. That gives Fulham a strong negotiating position compared with chasing a player tied down to a long-term deal.The key now is timing. With talks already advanced, this could become one of the more realistic late deals on Fulham’s agenda if the two clubs can settle the final terms quickly.