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Published December 28, 2024 12:00am Updated December 28, 2024 12:00am
Trent Alexander-Arnold has told Liverpool’s hierarchy that he wants to join Real Madrid next summer, according to reports in Spain.
The 26-year-old’s current contract with the Premier League leaders is due to expire at the end of the season, meaning that he could leave Anfield as a free agent next summer.
Liverpool have been keen to secure a new deal with the England international, however, an agreement has not been reached.
Real Madrid have identified Alexander-Arnold as one of their key signings for the transfer window next summer, although they have also considered recruiting a new right-sided defender in January due to Dani Carvajal’s cruciate ligament injury, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Marca’s front page on Saturday leads with a story claiming that Alexander-Arnold has now informed Liverpool of his desire to join Madrid at the end of the season.
The report adds that Liverpool have made ‘several attempts’ to reach an agreement over a new contract with Alexander-Arnold but the defender is intent on joining Madrid.
The Spanish club, meanwhile, are understood to be keen on signing Alexander-Arnold in January but are waiting on Liverpool to make it clear that they would be open to selling their first-choice right-back before the season is over.
Liverpool are also yet to reach agreements with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, with both of their deals also due to expire in the summer.
When asked if Liverpool’s contract situations with Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah will change on January 1, Slot said on Friday: ‘If we would then probably it is not the moment for me to tell you now.
‘But in general, I don’t talk about contract situations here and it would be a surprise if I was the one to announce that one of them had extended, that’s in a different moment.
‘Keep asking because that’s your job but you’re probably not going to get an answer from me.
‘It’s clear that from January 1 maybe for you guys things change a lot, but they are in constant talks with the club and let’s wait and see what happens. As long as they keep performing like this, the manager, or head coach I have to say, is happy with them.’
Liverpool, who are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, play away to West Ham on Sunday.
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