8 months ago
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Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation, with the right-back in the final 18 months of his current deal at Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold rose through Liverpool’s academy ranks and has established himself as one of the cornerstones of the Jurgen Klopp era, making over 300 appearances and winning eight trophies with his boyhood team.
Like Steven Gerrard before him, the Anfield faithful view Alexander-Arnold as their fan on the pitch and there are hopes on Merseyside that the England international will commit his long-term future to the club sooner rather than later.
However, according to Spanish outlet Relevo, Alexander-Arnold’s contract negotiations are at a standstill and Real Madrid are ‘exhaustively monitoring’ the situation, ready to pounce.
The report states that Alexander-Arnold – whose deal is due to expire in 2025 – is likely to be ‘one of the jewels of the market’ over the coming months, with Madrid not alone in their interest.
It’s claimed Los Blancos have identified Alexander-Arnold as a possible long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, 32, and value the 25-year-old’s quality and versatility.
Madrid are keen to signal their intent this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies set to complete big-money moves to the Bernabeu and more high-profile names expected to follow.
The La Liga giants have a history of landing top players approaching the final year of their contract such as Alexander-Arnold, as was the case with Toni Kroos, Thibaut Courtois and Eduardo Camavinga in years gone by.
While Madrid are yet to establish contract with Liverpool or Alexander-Arnold, the situation could quickly change and Klopp’s impending departure has added a layer of uncertainty behind the scenes at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold added a second Carabao Cup to his impressive CV earlier this season and the full-back will be desperate to end the campaign on a high as the Reds battle for major silverware in the Premier League and Europa League.
Shortly after Klopp’s shock announcement in January, club captain Virgil van Dijk sparked fears of a possible exodus at Liverpool as he cast doubt over his future.
Asked whether he could envisage being part of the post-Klopp regime, Van Dijk said: ‘That’s a big question. Well, I don’t know.’
When reminded that he has just 18 months left on his contract with Liverpool, the Netherlands defender replied: ‘That is correct, good maths. Listen, I don’t know.
‘The club will have a big job on their hands. That is well known. To replace the manager and replace not only the manager, the staff is leaving, and there are so many things that will change.
‘So the club has a big job on its hands and I am very curious which direction that will go in.
‘But when that will be announced we will see our situation. I can’t say much about it.’
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