Real Madrid have reportedly drawn a firm line in the sand regarding them transport pursuit of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world, but his future is Liverpool has been the subject of much uncertainty due to his expiring contract.
That means he could be available on a free transfer at the end of the season if a new deal is not agreed to keep him at Anfield. Only in January will Alexander-Arnold be allowed to officially negotiate and sign a preliminary agreement with a club abroad.
Alternatively, Liverpool will also have the option to try and cash in during the transfer window, their last chance to bring in a transfer fee if the right-back is to leave.
That’s where Madrid they are believed to have made their decision. THE Telegraph writes that the Spanish giants are only interested in signing Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, effectively ruling out an approach for any kind of fee in the coming weeks.
Madrid took a similar approach to them interest in teenage centre-back Lenny Yoro during the summer, hoping to lure the emerging talent on a free transfer in 2025 and refusing to match Manchester United’s huge bid to sign him earlier. This failed.
Long-term target Alphonso Davies could be available as a free agent in the summer thanks to an expiring contract with Bayern Munich, while the club did not even pay the transfer fee for Kylian Mbappe.
Alexander-Arnold is already close friends with Madrid star Jude Bellingham and the player’s admission that he wants to make history by becoming the first full-back to win the Ballon d’Or was seen by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher as a sign that a move is on the cards.
