Barcelona line up 'IRRESISTIBLE' Trent Alexander-Arnold move

Trent Alexander-Arnold might leave the club if Liverpool fail to agree terms for a contract extension.

In a matter of weeks, he can freely negotiate with other clubs about the possibility of moving next summer on a free transfer.

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It is a scenario Liverpool fans are dreading; one of their own, and one of their most talented, heading out the door to join a rival club.

However, at 26, Trent has won everything there is to win on Merseyside across his nine-year career with the Reds, performing at a consistently world-class level during that time.

He deserves to be paid what he's worth and even if the club delivers on that, he may simply just want to experience football in a different country.

Nonetheless, with the knowledge that he might leave Liverpool, transfer rumours and speculation have been rife about where his possible destination might be.

His most established link to date so far has been with Real Madrid, where he could potentially meet up with his England teammate and friend Jude Bellingham.

But nothing concrete has been established yet, and Trent is not short of potential suitors. Today, another club has reportedly entered the race.

Barcelona want 'strategic priority' Alexander-Arnold

Yes, you read that right. Los Blancos' direct rivals are interested in Trent, according to Spanish source El Nacional.

They claim that Deco - Barcelona's sporting director - has set his sights on the fullback as his contract situation, "opens the door to an operation that Deco does not want to miss".

While playing for Barcelona at right-back, Jules Kounde has not been in his natural position, which has reportedly left Deco with doubts over the team's long-term future. As such, the club has explored the different moves available to them and, "the possibility of signing Alexander-Arnold without a transfer fee is irresistible.

"His profile fits perfectly into Barcelona's scheme; a full-back with offensive ability, great precision in crosses and experience in major European competitions".

Now this may seem to be a bizarre report, and the reliability of it should be questioned, but Barcelona's financial mismanagement - where they have had to sell players simply to register their new signings - has been well covered in the media.

A free transfer is a rare thing for clubs nowadays, but to have a situation whereby a player who is arguably in the prime of his career, at the peak of his powers, is available for nothing. Now that's almost unthinkable.

But such is the situation that Liverpool have left themselves in. One of their best might leave and clubs are now lining up to have their shot at negotiating with him.

It must be recognised, that even if Barcelona were to be successful in their endeavour to sign Trent, his contract would need to be substantial. Although we do not know the reason why Liverpool haven't put pen to paper yet, the club has three major sets of talks happening at the same time, and according to their recent accounts, FSG's finances are in poor health.

As such, any potential move will not be straightforward.

But, as we get closer and closer to Trent's eventual decision, more and more reports will likely come out surrounding clubs interested in securing his services long-term.

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