Arnold is Liverpool's main right-back and also a role model for Liverpool's youth training players. Liverpool has been grooming Arnold in the direction of Gerrard, striving to make him the legendary captain of the team and a symbol of a one-club man. However, unfortunately, Arnold's contract renewal with Liverpool has not been smooth, and his next destination has become quite clear. Congratulations to Real Madrid! They have secured a dream signing, with the 26-year-old superstar taking over from Carvajal, alleviating Coach Ancelotti's urgent need.
On December 28th, transfer news reported by José Félix Díaz, a Real Madrid correspondent for Marca, revealed that Arnold has informed Liverpool's management that he dreams of joining Real Madrid and playing for them. It is known that Liverpool hopes to renew Arnold's contract, but after several attempts, they have still not been able to sway Arnold, as the player wishes to go to Real Madrid. Liverpool now has two choices: either sell Arnold during the winter window or wait until the summer window to watch Arnold leave on a free transfer without receiving any transfer fee.
Liverpool's multiple attempts to renew Arnold's contract have been unsuccessful, which was actually foreseeable. Real Madrid is considered the best team in the world and the top club, with very few players able to refuse an invitation from Real Madrid. Moreover, in the current Real Madrid squad, there is also Arnold's English friend Bellingham, with whom he has a great relationship. During England team training, Bellingham and Arnold often spend time together.
In recent years, Real Madrid has been implementing a strategy of signing players for free. Players like Alaba from Bayern Munich, Rüdiger from Chelsea, and Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain, who were key players for their respective clubs, have all been poached by Real Madrid and are now gathered at the club. The influence and appeal of the Galacticos are too strong, along with their Champions League pedigree. Although Liverpool is also a top European club, there is still a gap compared to Real Madrid, and it is understandable that Arnold hopes to join Real Madrid.
Currently, in Real Madrid's right-back position, Carvajal is seriously injured and may miss the rest of the season, with concerns about his condition after major knee surgery. Additionally, he is about to turn 33 years old, and Vázquez is already 33. Real Madrid urgently needs to strengthen their right-back position. Whether Arnold arrives at Real Madrid during the winter window or next summer, it will be an important signing for the club, potentially helping Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti solve the right-back issue.
The 26-year-old Arnold is valued at 75 million euros, and Real Madrid signing him would be equivalent to a great bargain. As for Liverpool, they will lose a symbolic player and not receive much in transfer fees. Liverpool cannot keep Arnold and needs to focus on renewing contracts with Salah and Van Dijk.