Real Madrid’s January transfer plans have reportedly been confirmed as the Spanish giants close in on Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England international has been central to the Reds’ incredible start to the campaign under Arne Slot – with his side sitting top in England and in Europe.
However, consistent speculation has fixated on the future of three of their most integral players with the deals set to expire – with Alexander-Arnold among them.
The full-back has since been closely linked with a potential move to Madrid next season – with Mail Sport understanding that the Spanish giants are growing increasingly convinced over signing Alexander-Arnold.
Now, a report from Marca has suggested that the England international is their sole target heading into the January window.
The outlet claim that, due to the injury of first-choice full-back Dani Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold has become the priority for Madrid.
Real Madrid have reportedly made Trent Alexander-Arnold their priority heading into January
Those in Madrid are adamant Alexander-Arnold wants a new challenge under Carlo Ancelotti
Thought the likelihood is that the Liverpool star will join for free in summer, there is potential he could force a move through during the January window.
Alexander-Arnold is first choice, with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro believed to be a back-up, and the good relationship between the clubs dictated that Los Blancos informed Liverpool in decent time and there were no issues.
Initially, the Reds backed themselves to convince the fan favourite to stay at Anfield but they are thought to be losing the race at the hands of the 15-time Champions League winners.
There has been persistent speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s future for much of the season and the Liverpool right-back has made it clear that he will not add to the rumour mill by giving a running commentary on the situation.
But Madrid, the 15-time European Champions, have been waiting in the wings since he entered the final 12 months of his contract and Mail Sport understand they are starting to plan for life with the England international.
Sources close to Liverpool insist no agreement has been reached. And it is understood the player’s only contacts over his future to this date have been with Liverpool. Those in the Spanish capital are adamant Alexander-Arnold wants a new challenge under Carlo Ancelotti.
It has been a highly-pressurised situation for Liverpool, who are potentially going to lose a £80million asset for nothing.
The opportunity to play alongside close friend and England team-mate Jude Bellingham is also said to serve as an incentive for Alexander-Arnold to make the move.
There is a chance that Madrid could push to seal a move for Alexander-Arnold in January
Alexander-Arnold has consistently been linked with a move to Ancelotti’s side this season – and is close with Jude Bellingham
The Liverpool-born star joined the club at the age of six and has played 332 times for the first team, winning every major honour along the way including the Champions League and Premier League.
Last weekend Jamie Carragher claimed Alexander-Arnold’s legacy at Anfield could be damaged if he elects to leave the club on a free.
‘If he stays at the club. He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play for the football club, and not far behind Steven Gerrard,’ Carragher said.
‘If he doesn’t, he won’t be remembered like that. Now, if he doesn’t care about that, that’s fine, but I’m only telling you what Liverpool supporters [think].’
He continued: ‘If I was advising Trent, I would say, it’s not just leaving. I think people understand it with Real Madrid.
‘A lot of it is the free transfer. That’s a lot of anything. It’s that fear of not you leaving us, [but] “Where’s our money to replace you?”
‘You might not agree with that, but it’s just a fact. I would say, “Sign a contract. Have a decent buyout clause in there that’s not ridiculous. And if Real Madrid want to buy you in 12 months…”‘
