Alvaro Arbeloa has indicated that Fulham still need to do more in the transfer market as they try to improve the squad’s “balance”.

Three new players have arrived at Craven Cottage ahead of Monday night’s Premier League opener against Chelsea, with Shea Charles joining from Southampton and Spaniards Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios coming in after following Arbeloa from Real Madrid.

There are still gaps in the squad, however. Centre-back Issa Diop has not yet been replaced following his move to Ipswich, while there is also no obvious successor to Harry Wilson, Fulham’s most dependable source of goals last season.

Speaking at Motspur Park on Friday, Arbeloa said he was satisfied with the Cottagers’ transfer work so far this summer, but stressed that more still needs to be done.

“I think we can make the squad stronger and more balanced,” he told reporters. “But I am happy with the way the club is working this summer. We have three new players, so we are still working on it.”

Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios have followed Alvaro Arbeloa from Real Madrid to Fulham.

Beginning his Fulham reign with a west London derby against Chelsea represents a major early test for Arbeloa.

The game will see him come up against Xabi Alonso, his former team-mate with Spain and Liverpool, and the coach he succeeded at Real Madrid after Alonso was dismissed in January.

But Arbeloa insisted there would be no room for sentiment when he faces his old friend in the dugout at Craven Cottage.

“We analyse Chelsea like we did with other teams. I know [his style of football] well because I watch so many games of his teams, but we know it will not be easy.

Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were team-mates for Liverpool and the Spain national team.

“They are a very strong squad with top players. They also made good signings, so we have to be ready if we want to beat them. We need to do a very good game.”

“[I spoke to Alonso] a few days ago. We didn’t talk about football. Our families are coming to London, and we are very good friends.

“On Monday night, we will be there on the touchline, so close for 90 minutes. We will give everything for our clubs. We will try to win the games. For 90 minutes, like he said, we are not friends.

“That is the most important thing. We want to win that game. It will be so important if we win against Chelsea. The only thing I can think about is our performance, to be ready to play. We are working very, very hard.”

Arbeloa will be a little short of options on Monday night, with experienced midfielder Tom Cairney ruled out through injury and Joachim Andersen suspended.