Why Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid rumours make little sense

According to rather contradictory reports coming out of Spain, Real Madrid are looking to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold as the long-term successor to captain Dani Carvajal.

Reports from Spanish football rumours website Fichajes – which have been widely picked up in the British press – have suggested that Los Blancos have identified the Liverpool man as their prime target for the right-back position.

Despite currently boasting captain Dani Carvajal (31) in this role, as well as Lucas Vázquez (32) in reserve, Carlo Ancelotti's team are looking to the future and reportedly have one eye on the 25-year-old's contract situation.

According to one report, Real Madrid are hoping to take advantage of this and are looking to sign Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires in 2025 (coincidentally at the same time as Carvajal).

It must be remembered that should Trent not sign a new contract with the Reds, he would be free to enter negotiations with overseas teams at the end of 2024.

However, another report from the very same outlet went on to suggest that Real Madrid were ready to offer €80m (£69m) to encourage Trent to follow in the footsteps of fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham and become the side's star signing next summer.

Move unlikely to happen

While these rumours may make sense from a sporting perspective (Real Madrid have also been linked with Chelsea's Reece James), they should be taken with a truck load of salt.

With Alexander-Arnold recently having been made Liverpool vice-captain, it seems improbable that he would wish to leave his boyhood club anytime soon, regardless of any interest from the Spanish club.

What's more, a valuation of just short of £70m is extremely unlikely to tempt the Reds to sell. Given the current market, Alexander-Arnold's valuation as one of the best in the world in his position would be at least double that.

Another factor that would likely put a spanner in the works is Real's well-publicised pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappé.

Any transfer for the Frenchman would break the bank and not leave much spare change for another major transfer.

Talks over a contract renewal for Alexander-Arnold have been mooted for some time, with an extension announcement widely expected at some point in the coming year.

Back in September, 90min claimed that the number 66 was 'close' to a new deal that would make him the highest paid full back in the world.