Fulham have named Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach, signing the former Real Madrid interim manager to a three-year deal at Craven Cottage.

Arbeloa, 43, steps into the role vacated by Marco Silva, who departed the club to take charge of Benfica after five years of success in west London.

"It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London," Arbeloa said. "I feel a great sense of responsibility and I'm deeply grateful to Mr Khan and Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League."

Chairman Shahid Khan praised the appointment, highlighting Arbeloa's ambition, his close study of elite football methods, and his enthusiasm for the club's academy. "I loved hearing that from Alvaro, as well as his intent on playing attacking football," Khan said.

Strong references and a swift search

Arbeloa's appointment was backed by glowing recommendations from recently re-elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho — a coach Arbeloa played under at Santiago Bernabeu during his playing days as a full-back.

The club's search for Silva's replacement was not straightforward. Former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank had been linked with the vacancy, while ex-Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna was reportedly ruled out on cost grounds — with his compensation fee alone estimated at £8 million, before salary and staff costs.

Vice-chairman Tony Khan revealed last month that Silva had "indicated he wanted to stay" before surprising the board by reversing his decision. Mourinho's move from Benfica to Real Madrid created the chain of events that ultimately lured Silva to Lisbon despite Fulham's attempts to keep him.

From youth coach to the Bernabeu dugout

Arbeloa had been working as a youth coach within the Real Madrid setup before stepping up as interim manager following Xabi Alonso's departure in January. He guided the club for the final 28 matches of the season, steering them to second place in La Liga and navigating a UEFA Champions League run that ended at the quarter-final stage, where Bayern Munich eliminated them.

Targets to follow him to London

Arbeloa is keen to bring several Real Madrid players with him to Fulham. Attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, full-back Fran Garcia, and forward Gonzalo Garcia are all understood to be on his wish list as he looks to reshape the squad ahead of his first Premier League campaign.