Trent Alexander-Arnold latest deal – Liverpool plan, Real Madrid ‘interest’, Arne Slot talks

Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to be the subject of transfer speculation with his Liverpool contract set to expire at the end of this season. As it stands, foreign clubs will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with the 25-year-old defender on a free transfer in the summer from January 1.

Unless, of course, they commit their future to the Reds. However, if Alexander-Arnold decides against penning an extension, then Liverpool’s directors must decide whether they would rather risk losing him for free at the end of the season or cash in on him this summer.

With Arne Slot keen to hit the ground running, he will no doubt be determined to retain his best players. So with that being said, Liverpool Echo has rounded up everything you need to know about Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield.

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Real Madrid’s “interest”.

According to German publication BILD, as quoted by MailOnline, Real Madrid have established a “concrete” interest in Alexander-Arnold, who has been linked with a move to the Champions League winners in the past. With the defender available on a free transfer in the New Year, it would come as no surprise that Florentino Perez wants to secure his signature.

This summer, Los Blancos signed Kylian Mbappe after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired. In 2022, Antonio Rudiger joined Real Madrid from Chelsea on a free transfer, as did David Alaba from Bayern Munich the year before.

Arne Slot speaks

Speaking to The Mirror earlier this week, Alexander-Arnold revealed he spoke to Slot ahead of Euro 2024. The England international said: “I spoke to him briefly on the phone before the (Euro 2024) tournament started.

“He respected that I would be away on the international break, so he didn’t want to break any rhythm or talk about club football at that time. I respected that.

“But yes, it is an exciting one – a new change, a new beginning and a new beginning. So I’m excited to come back and build on a good season.”

The Liverpool Plan

According to The Athletic, Liverpool are “desperate” to avoid losing Alexander-Arnold when his contract expires, so handing him a new contract is a priority for Richard Hughes. The report states that the defender is currently on holiday after the Euros and is looking forward to working with Slot when he returns to Kirkby in early August.

Transfer tips

In a recent interview with Betfred, former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson said it would be “ridiculous business” for the England international to leave his old club for free next summer. He said: “Madrid’s Madrid. Liverpool will go through uncertain times in the short term, so if Real Madrid are at the table, it is difficult for players not to go.

“If he goes there, he’ll probably win the Champions League again, so I don’t think he could turn that down and Madrid would be crazy not to try to sign him. He could even sign a pre-contract with them from January. before, but Liverpool can’t lose him for free.

“He’s far too good for that to happen and it would be a ridiculous deal for Liverpool to let him leave on a free transfer. I’m sure Liverpool are trying to keep him but as the clock ticks and Real Madrid are interested in him then he will only go against Liverpool at the moment.”