Liverpool defender and England international Trent Alexander-Arnold looks close to trading in Merseyside red for Madrid white when his contract expires in the summer.
The speculated move comes as no surprise to those involved as Los Blancos have been vying for the defender’s signature for years. Real Madrid did attempt to establish talks with Liverpool for Alexander-Arnold more recently in December but were declined.
The move would leave Liverpool short staffed in the position. Conor Bradley set to seemingly become the only right back in the squad with England youngster Jarell Quansah drafted in as an emergency replacement while Bradley and Alexander-Arnold are injured.
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The reaction from Spanish media has been welcoming to the idea of the England international on Spanish shores.
Mario Calderón of Mundo Deportivo is certain of the transfer. He said: “The signing of Alexander Arnold by Real Madrid is very close. So much so that, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Whites have already sent him a contract proposal as he is in his final six months as a Liverpool player.
"Barring any surprises, everything indicates that the two parties (Real Madrid and Alexander-Arnold) will reach an agreement sooner rather than later, and the signing will become official on June 30, when the player's agreement with the Anfield club expires.”
Héctor Andreau of Fichajes said: “Real Madrid is confident in finalizing the deal in the coming weeks.
“However, for Alexander-Arnold to join the team in time for the World Cup, it is crucial for LaLiga to approve his registration by early June.
“No resistance is expected from England; Liverpool will not hinder the player's departure if the agreement with Real Madrid is properly formalized.”
Andreau continued to say that: “they (Real Madrid) want Alexander-Arnold to lead the right flank of the future.”
José Felix Diaz of Marca noticed a pattern in Real Madrid’s transfer strategy. He said: "It's all part of Real Madrid's strategy of pursuing players whose contracts are coming to an end, something similar to what they did with Davies, although the Canadian player ultimately gave in to Bayern's astronomical renewal offer, higher than the one agreed upon with Madrid.
“At Valdebebas, they knew that Arnold's move was a long-term operation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that he did not renew his contract with Liverpool by all means, something that has happened so far after resisting numerous proposals made from Anfield.
Minerva Pacheco of Madrid-Barcelona.com says: “The news of Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real Madrid marks the end of an era at Liverpool.
“After several successful years, the right-back has decided it's time to take a step toward a new challenge.
“The English team made several attempts to retain him, but Real Madrid's offer proved to be more attractive both sportingly and economically.
“This decision also reflects Alexander-Arnold's desire to try his luck in a different league, with new challenges and a new soccer culture.”
Xavi Heras of AS also wrote: “On the islands, his departure to Real Madrid at the end of the season is seen as a very feasible option.”
Andreau’s colleague, Javier Parra Peña of Fichajes believes that he has found an ideal replacement for Trent Alexander Arnold should he leave in the summer. He said: “Liverpool is already working on restructuring its defence and has a clear target: Jeremie Frimpong.
"With Trent Alexander-Arnold getting closer to a free agent move to Real Madrid, the club's sports management has set their sights on the Bayer Leverkusen full-back to take his place in the starting eleven next season.”
