By SABC Sport
1st November 2024
According to Spanish outlet AS, Alexander-Arnold is 'the chosen one' for Real Madrid as he is their No 1 target for the 2025 summer transfer window. There has been tentative speculation that Real Madrid could move for him in January, following Carvajal's ACL injury, but they will have to wait until next summer as Liverpool will not sell mid-season.
Madrid have been linked with several other right-backs in case they cannot land Alexander-Arnold, including some from other Premier League giants.
Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, Tottenham Hotspur star Pedro Porro and Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen are just some of the names on Madrid's scouting list.
However, the man Madrid president Florentino Perez really wants is Alexander-Arnold, as he can provide a unique threat from the right-back position.
AS add that Madrid will 'intensify' their chase to sign the England star on January 1. Should Liverpool have failed to tie him down to fresh terms by that stage, then Madrid will be able to enter official talks with him over a pre-contract agreement. That will in turn set up a stunning free transfer for Madrid, and a damaging exit for Liverpool.
Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is known to be eager to play alongside England team-mate and close friend Alexander-Arnold in the Spanish capital.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that the full-back 'intends' to leave Liverpool after rejecting 'several' contract offers from the Anfield club.
Of course, Alexander-Arnold is not the only key Liverpool star whose contract is running down, with Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah in the same position.
At the time of writing, skipper Van Dijk looks the most likely to stay as he has confirmed renewal talks are underway. Salah's future is unclear though as the Saudis continue to chase him.
Earlier this week, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher criticised Alexander-Arnold's decision to prioritise a Ballon d'Or over the Champions League or World Cup, while also explaining why Reds fans will be especially angry if he departs.
"My first thought when I read that was, 'you're not gonna win the Ballon d'Or as a right-back for Liverpool'. Ballon d'Or winners normally play for Real Madrid or Barcelona, that's where the best players in the world go," the pundit said.