Captaincy key to Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool future

The Reds find themselves at the summit of both the Premier League and Champions League, but the contract situations of stars like Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk have cast a shadow over this success.

All three players are in their final six months of their contracts, which opens up discussions for free transfers with foreign clubs. Liverpool are in a favorable position to secure Salah and Van Dijk, but Alexander-Arnold's future remains uncertain, with Real Madrid eager to secure his signature.

Football journalist Ben Jacobs shed light on Alexander-Arnold's demands during an appearance on talkSPORT. Jacobs said, "Real are trying simultaneously to get him now and of course to pre-agree something, if not, for the summer." He added that while Real Madrid are optimistic, Alexander-Arnold has not yet communicated his decision to Liverpool.

Jacobs explained, "So the Liverpool offer is there on the table. Trent and Liverpool are also engaged in talks. But, of course, the longer it goes on with Liverpool doing well on the field without Trent signing, the more inevitable it will feel he's off to Madrid."

Jacobs also noted Alexander-Arnold's specific requirements for staying at Anfield, saying, "Interestingly, the other thing I've heard is that, although Trent is not open to a mid-season move, what he does want from Liverpool, if he is to extend, is a three-year contract minimum and, in the long-run, to be captain of the football club."

There's speculation on how these negotiations might affect the captaincy, with Jacobs questioning, "So keep an eye as to whether perhaps Virgil van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold talks are somewhat intertwined. And if Trent is told he's going to be captain in the long run, does that impact Virgil van Dijk?"

In related news, Fabrizio Romano reported that 'official contacts' between Alexander-Arnold and Madrid are 'expected soon'. Madrid would prefer to sign him this transfer window, but they are prepared for a free transfer in the summer if necessary.

Sources close to the situation have suggested that while Liverpool are calm about Alexander-Arnold staying, Madrid are extremely confident about securing the deal.

Further complicating Liverpool's defensive strategy, Madrid have also been linked with a move for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate.

On the transfer front, Liverpool seem to have shifted their focus from Fulham's Antonee Robinson, who is seen as too old at 26, to Bournemouth's younger prospect, Milos Kerkez. Mark Ogden mentioned that Liverpool's interest in Robinson is minimal, paving the way for Manchester United to make a move for the American.

In terms of potential departures, winger Federico Chiesa's representatives have approached Liverpool about a possible loan move back to Italy to regain his form.

Chiesa has been frustrated by his limited playing time due to injuries and competition within the squad. Both Atalanta and Inter Milan have shown interest in the Italian forward.

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