Real Madrid are reportedly considering a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, confident that the England star will not renew his contract with Liverpool.
Like fellow stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, Alexander-Arnold’s current deal with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of June, leading to increasing speculation about his future.
Real Madrid, long-time admirers of the Liverpool vice-captain, have intensified their interest following Dani Carvajal’s serious knee injury.
With Lucas Vázquez currently the only senior right-back option available, Madrid are keen to strengthen this position in the January transfer window.
Alexander-Arnold tops their wishlist, ahead of Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and Sevilla’s promising 21-year-old Juanlu.
The presence of Alexander-Arnold’s close friend, Jude Bellingham, at Real Madrid could play a pivotal role in luring him to Spain.
According to Marca, Liverpool are reportedly aware that Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to extend his contract.
Should this be confirmed, the Reds will face a significant decision in the January transfer window: either sell him mid-season or risk losing him for free when his contract expires in the summer.
Liverpool’s approach to the situations concerning their three star players—Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold – has been notably relaxed.
Manager Arne Slot has deflected questions regarding their futures, and Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, encapsulated the club’s stance in July.
“Contractual situations, I don’t think it would be fair for me to talk about,” he said.
“These are private matters between club and players.
“The only concern I have, that Arne has, about those situations and everyone else in the squad is that there is total commitment from the players to the cause for next season – and we are absolutely convinced that is the case.”
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been tight-lipped when addressing questions about his long-term future.
“I have always said I want to captain the club, that is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, (but) whether that happens is out of my hands,” he said in September.
“Look, I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public.
“And this one won’t be either.
“I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say.
“The most important thing is always trophies, if I am honest. “I want to win trophies, I am a player who is highly motivated by trophies and winning things and being elite.
“So that is probably the main factor of anything, if you have a personality that is elite, who wants to win and will do anything to win, then that is what drives me.”
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