What Fabrizio Romano is NOW hearing from Real Madrid about Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool went into the new year facing interest from Real Madrid in Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds’ right-back is out of contract in 2025 with no breakthrough reached yet over a new deal.

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Real Madrid have been mooted as the strongest candidates to sign Trent at the end of his contract but owing to exceptional circumstances they were keen on cutting a deal with Liverpool for January.

Carlo Ancelotti has been without first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal since October owing to an ACL injury and the club were hoping to bring forward a deal for Alexander-Arnold this winter.

Various reports have suggested Los Blancos were prepared to spend anything between €10 million and €25m for the 26-year-old during the current transfer window - but Liverpool bosses were unwilling to entertain a conversation.

That led to speculation that Madrid could look elsewhere for a right-back with Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot reportedly emerging as an option.

But those claims have been denied by renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who maintains that it will be Alexander-Arnold or nothing for Real Madrid.

Although the 15-time European champions are unlikely to recruit the No.66 in January, with Romano stating ‘it won’t be possible’, they will throw everything they have at getting him to the Bernabeu next summer.

In his GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano was asked: “Do Real Madrid have an interest in Diogo Dalot as an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold, if they are unable to sign the Liverpool defender?”

He replied: “What I always heard is that Trent is their absolute priority option. Nothing else so far, so I’m sure they will keep pushing for Trent to join in the summer — if won’t be possible in January.”

If Madrid opt to approach Trent directly there is not much Liverpool can do. However, safeguarding his presence in the squad during the current window will be a short-term boost for the Premier League and Champions League challenges to come.

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