Trent Alexander-Arnold has given three reasons for turning down a move to Real Madrid for his new role at Liverpool

Emmanuel Petit has urged Trent Alexander-Arnold to ditch Real Madrid and stay at Liverpool this summer. The 25-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu recently as Carlo Ancelotti looks to further strengthen his squad.

Alexander-Arnold, whose contract at Anfield expires in 2025, has played 26 times in the Premier League this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists. His impressive performances in the first half of the campaign helped the Reds win the title, playing key roles in draws against Manchester City and Arsenal.

But after suffering a nasty knee injury in February, the England international has struggled to reach the heights he once enjoyed. Jurgen Klopp’s side have since been ruled out of the title race after costly defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton.

READ MORE: Merson reveals what he desperately wants to happen in Liverpool vs Aston Villa clash

READ MORE: Liverpool prepare for £165m cash injection ahead of Slot arrival and summer transfer window

However, Alexander-Arnold faces a somewhat uncertain future with his current contract set to expire at the end of next season. While the right-back may be available on a free within 12 months, Petit believes he should stay at his boyhood club.

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender said: “For generations, hardly any English players have gone abroad. Is it time for Trent to look for a new challenge?

“Personally, I’d like to think he’ll take on more responsibility next season and relish his role as a leader. Sometimes the grass isn’t greener and I don’t feel that Trent will be able to withstand the pressure from Real Madrid.

“He’s in a cocoon at Liverpool, surrounded by love and support and will rarely miss a game. If he plays the way he does defensively at Real Madrid, I don’t think the fans will accept that either, so he might- he’s better off staying in his comfort zone.”

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah also see their contracts at Liverpool expire in June 2025. Speaking to talkSPORT in March, Peter Moore revealed that Michael Edwards will prioritize tying the trio to new deals.

“Let’s not forget, you’ve got Virgil and you’ve got Trent, you’ve got Mo on expiring contracts,” said the former Reds CEO. “Whoever comes in, and Michael is going to be front and center on that, they have to close those deals pretty quickly.

“Or not, but you don’t need the Saudis to come back again, so you want to be able to lock those players up. You think about the veteran experience there, and I call Trent a veteran. Linked with the incoming academy kids, you have a squad you can build as a new incoming manager.

“But you want your captain to be linked, you want your global superstar Mohamed to be linked and you want your local Scouser from West Derby to be linked, those are the three players that are being auctioned.”