Liverpool news: Real Madrid close in on England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold
In the latest development in the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga, the Liverpool star looks set to leave his boyhood club for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Making his debut for the Merseyside club back in 2016, the Englishman has won it all, including the Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup.
However, Alexander-Arnold could be following in the footsteps of former Liverpool players Michael Owen and Steve McManaman in making the switch to become a Galáctico.
Multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic’s David Ornstein, claim the LaLiga side are nearing an agreement with the right-back, who is reportedly in favour of a move to the reigning Champions League winners.
Trent eyes Los Blancos dream
A five-year deal is on the table for Alexander-Arnold, as Real Madrid are obliged to inform Liverpool as to when an agreement has been reached.
As it stands, nothing has been agreed upon yet.
Los Blancos have been actively trying to recruit the 26-year-old since the January transfer window, when the Reds reportedly rebuffed an offer from the club for Alexander-Arnold.
But now it seems inevitable that the Scouse defender will become a Real Madrid player in the summer.
What’s next for Liverpool?
Liverpool will focus on finding a replacement right-back this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong the most likely candidate due to his attacking abilities from the full-back position.
Yet, one of Alexander-Arnold’s key weaknesses is his defensive capabilities, which could offer Conor Bradley a shot at nailing down the first-choice full-back opening next season.
The Northern Ireland international has made 12 Premier League appearances this campaign, one more than last season already, with 29 in all competitions.
The club is also rumoured to be looking at replacements on the left-hand side as well due to faltering performances of Andy Robertson this season, with AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez identified as a top target.
The expiring contracts of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will also be a concern for the club.
The Egyptian forward has stated several times this season that as far as he knows, this is going to be his final year with Liverpool.
Similarly, van Dijk offered an honest response to contract talks in a recent interview after their European exit to Paris Saint-Germain, bluntly stating that he has “no idea” what is going to happen with regards to him signing a new deal.
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