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…