Real Madrid take action ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold arrival

While reports surrounding the club's negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold over a contract extension have fallen silent, claims of Real Madrid's intention to sign him have filled the void.

It seems almost certain that Liverpool will be without their starlet right-back next season, and while Conor Bradley has excelled in his place during his injury absences, fans are in part content with the idea of Trent moving on if he so wishes.

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As such, Spanish reports have been increasingly positive that Los Blancos will get what they want when the season comes to an end, and reports of further signings to be built around Trent are now coming out.

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Arne Slot has worked hard with the England international this season to improve his defending, while playing him in a slightly less attacking role, being used as more of a traditional full-back, through running in the channels and creating chances from a further away from the attackers by utilising his long ball threat.

But at times he has still neglected his defensive duties, and as such Madrid are looking to bring in some more defensive players to facilitate Trent to concentrate more on his strengths than his weaknesses when he arrives in Spain.

Madrid want TWO defenders as well as Trent

According to Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto in his latest newsletter for Relevo, 'Real Madrid know that, in addition to the Liverpool right-back, they will need to bring in other reinforcements to consolidate their [defensive] department.'

As such, he writes that according to his sources 'the club [Madrid] is working to bring in one, if necessary even two defenders for the summer, and I'm not talking about Trent Alexander-Arnold, which is a separate issue and does not fit into this discussion.'

Of course, it is entirely plausible that Real Madrid just needs to add more resources to their defence. In last night's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, they were forced into fielding Aurelian Tchouameni as a centre-back because of their current injury crisis.

At the moment, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are all sidelined, each players that would usually be played at either centre-back or right-back. The need for a new fullback is clear because Carvajal may well face long-term problems as a result of his ACL injury and if Trent is to be available on a free transfer, then it makes plenty of sense as to why he is targeted for a move.

However, next season Madrid's centre-backs will all be back to full fitness and Carlo Ancelotti will be able to start the 2025/26 campaign with a clean slate, so it is difficult to not want to read too far into this latest report.

Whenever Liverpool plays Trent at right-back, the opposition targets that side of the team's defence because it has been extensively identified as a weak point. Ibrahima Konate works tirelessly to complete his own duties while covering the right-back as he endeavours forward.

As such, there will be a concern as to whether the Spanish giants will likewise be open at the back if Trent makes the move.

In Bradley, Liverpool seem to have a player who is more defensively solid than Trent, so it is entirely plausible that the Reds could improve if he left, and if he does decide to extend his contract, then Arne Slot has already clarified his intention to work on Trent's defending - there is a patient relationship in play.

Madrid, however, who will be expected to be one of the main favourites to win the Champions League, while challenging for La Liga, may not be quite as content to give Trent the time and attention he needs to work on his notable weaknesses.

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Nonetheless, no deal with Madrid has been agreed upon quite yet and Liverpool will not be ready to give up in their pursuit of extending his contract. But if the former comes to fruition, then more players may be required to facilitate Trent's arrival.

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