Liverpool's pick to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold is a complete SURPRISE

Liverpool have lined up a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold but it's not one that anyone saw coming.

It now looks absolutely certain that Liverpool will need to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer. The Scouser's contract expires once the campaign signs done and the chances of him signing a new one are now remote.

READ MORE: Liverpool DESPERATE to complete momentous transfer for next Moises Caicedo

Real Madrid have turned his head - that's clear for everyone to see. Their campaign to sign Alexander-Arnold has been going on for over a year now, say reports, and they're about to seal the deal.

Fabrizio Romano was among those writing this week that a formal offer has been sent to the player. Real Madrid expect that he'll sign it - we're probably not far off the confirmation, in fact.

Liverpool are then left in a difficult position. They'll be losing a homegrown star and one of the most important players in their team.

They'll also be losing him for free, with absolutely no money coming in to fund a replacement. This hasn't actually happened to Liverpool for a very long time.

So who could that replacement be? Few right-backs have actually been linked with the Reds, despite the impending expiration of Alexander-Arnold's contract.

And maybe that's for one very good reason - they're not chasing a right-back at all.

READ MORE: Martim Fernandes - The PERFECT Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement

Liverpool go two-for-one

Liverpool aren't just after a right-back this summer. They also want a left-back as they aim to find the long-term successor to Andy Robertson.

It opens the door to an interesting move. Robertson won't be leaving, after all, merely facing competition.

Well, what if the competition played on both flanks? What if he covered for the loss of Alexander-Arnold while also offering the long-term succession plan to Robertson?

Gazzetta dello Sport claims Liverpool are chasing Andrea Cambiaso and have the idea of replacing Alexander-Arnold with him. It's not an obvious move, given Cambiaso is primarily a left-back.

READ MORE: Five right-backs READY to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool

But he is perfectly capable of playing on the other side. Whoscored data has him starting 12 fixtures on the right flank this season, with eight of those coming as either a right-back or a right-wing-back.

Liverpool, then, could go two-for-one with their new full-back. Bring someone in who can do both, eliminating the need to sign two players immediately.

It's a cost-effective way of doing things while also making sure the squad isn't affected by too many new players coming in at once. It honestly feels right in line with Liverpool's way of doing things.

READ MORE: £60m Liverpool target given GREEN light after impressive performance

This is an interesting one, then, and a move no one really predicted. We're comfortably on board, though.