Trent Alexander-Arnold wearing the Real Madrid crest
Liverpool suffered a heavy blow in their efforts to retain Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Arne Slot hopes to alleviate the pressure of his departure by signing a long-term target.
Alexander-Arnold, along with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, has a contract that expires this summer. However, unlike his Liverpool teammates, the Reds academy graduate appears set to leave the club rather than sign a new contract.
Earlier this month, Salah openly stated that he is "closer to leaving" than staying due to Liverpool not offering him a new contract. However, a report on Friday claims that the Egyptian player is "prepared to sign a new contract" as he "has shown willingness to agree to a new contract."
Despite Van Dijk rejecting the initial offer, the club seems equally confident in renewing his contract. However, their hopes of retaining Alexander-Arnold are slim.
Spanish media outlet Marca reports that the Liverpool full-back "has told Liverpool's hierarchy that he wants to play for Real Madrid," which dealt a heavy blow to Alexander-Arnold after "the latest attempt at renewal by the Anfield hierarchy."
The report adds:
"There seems to be evidence that the defender has fallen into the temptation and the Madrid curse, which also means gaining a whole new experience, making it impossible to continue lateral attacks in such a situation."
Due to Arne Slot's team topping the Premier League, Alexander-Arnold will not leave Liverpool in January. However, he can sign a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid, who will "only wait" as "negotiations for possible immediate inclusion may open at any time."
Signing Alexander-Arnold by Real Madrid could provide an opportunity for them to sit down with Liverpool to discuss the transfer of Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The French international was Jurgen Klopp's top target in the summer of 2022 when he moved to the Spanish capital for a fee of 80 million euros. Despite the change in head coach, Liverpool's interest in the midfielder remains.
Another report from Spain states, "Although Carlo Ancelotti values Tchouameni's contributions and considers him an important part of his plans, fans are far from convinced, and the possibility of changing head coaches is growing."
The report adds:
"At Anfield, they view Tchouaméni as a strategic reinforcement for the midfield, a key area in Slot's philosophy.
"Liverpool's performance this season has been positive, but the Dutch coach wants to bring in more talent to compete at the highest level and increase their chances of winning the league title."
"The investment required to complete the signing will be significant, but the English club is willing to make a huge financial effort to complete the deal in January next year."