Real Madrid are confident of signing Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, it has been claimed.
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points on Boxing Day, coming from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Leicester City.
While the Reds are enjoying a successful season under Arne Slot’s leadership, the contract situations of Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk have become a notable subplot.
All three players are set to become free agents at the end of the season, with no new contracts agreed so far.
According to Relevo journalist Javier Rodríguez Pascua, Spanish giants Real Madrid have informed Liverpool of their intention to negotiate a free agent deal with Alexander-Arnold in January and are “confident” of securing his signature.
The Athletic has also reported that Real Madrid is optimistic about the England international’s move, although a transfer would likely only happen in the summer.
Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold has been longstanding, and an injury to first-choice Dani Carvajal has left them short of a fully fit, recognized full-back.
Since the defender is in the final six months of his contract with Liverpool, he can begin negotiating a “pre-contract” agreement with other clubs starting January 1.
Alexander-Arnold and Salah are both set to become free agents at the end of the season (Getty).
After Liverpool’s match against Leicester, Slot avoided commenting on the contract situations of Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold. Instead, he focused on their performances, noting there was still room for improvement, particularly for Alexander-Arnold.
“We don’t discuss contracts publicly,” Slot told Amazon Prime Video.
“This is a matter for the players and Richard [Hughes, Liverpool sporting director]. It’s not my place to talk about those matters in public.”
“It’s clear that Mo had another strong game. Virgil played very well. Trent was solid for most of the match, with only a couple of mistakes. But in the second half, he was particularly good.”
“That’s what we can discuss, not the contracts.”
