Barcelona join Real Madrid, Bayern Munich in race for Premier League heavyweight

In a major development, Barcelona have entered the race to sign Liverpool’s star right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, joining European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in pursuit of the England international, talkSPORT reports.

With his current deal set to expire at the end of this season and negotiations for an extension still ongoing, Alexander-Arnold will be free to discuss terms with foreign clubs come January for a potential free transfer next summer.

The 26-year-old England defender’s contract situation at Liverpool has sparked intense interest from these top clubs.

Barcelona enter race

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold’s consistent performances and potential availability on a free transfer in the summer have caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, including Barcelona.

Real Madrid’s interest in the defender was well-documented during the summer transfer window, but the addition of Barcelona and Bayern Munich to the mix adds a new dimension to the transfer saga.

Barça have Jules Kounde as their first-choice right-back this season but are hoping to add another player to the position in the summer at the request of manager Hansi Flick.

And an opportunity to sign a top star like Alexander-Arnold, for a free transfer, is bound to appeal to the Catalans, who are also competing with Real Madrid for Alphonso Davies.

While Liverpool were previously confident about securing Alexander-Arnold’s future with a new contract, the situation appears to have become more uncertain.

Alexander-Arnold has been a pivotal figure for Liverpool since his debut in 2016. He has made 319 appearances for the club and won the Premier League and Champions League trophies.

This season, under new manager Arne Slot, the England right-back has started all seven of the Reds’ Premier League matches, contributing one assist so far.

With the summer window still some way away, all eyes will be on Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool to see if a new deal can be struck or if Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich of lure him away from his boyhood club.