French champions Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly looking to rival Real Madrid in the pursuit of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England international, 26, is out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, so he will be eligible to talk to foreign clubs from January 1 and sign a pre-contract agreement. The Reds are yet to convince the full-back into penning fresh terms, and as time passes by, it looks unlikely he will prolong his stay at his boyhood club beyond this season.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Paris Saint-Germain have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in the summer.
The Parisians are understood to be in advanced talks with the 26-year-old, which has seemingly prompted Real Madrid into bringing forward Alexander-Arnold’s signing to January, especially owing to Dani Carvajal’s serious knee injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid—Should Los Blancos fast track their approach?
Real Madrid are on the lookout for a new right-back after Dani Carvajal was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL rupture to his knee.
Carvajal has been rated as one of the world’s best right-backs, playing a vital role in the club winning multiple trophies over the years. The Spanish international has had his fair share of injury problems in his career, but with him having turned 32 and suffering an ACL injury last month, Los Blancos have started planning behind the scenes to replace him in the long run.
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold has emerged as a prime target to replace Carvajal, but Madrid now faces competition from PSG. The Reds’ vice-captain is recognised as arguably the best attacking right-back in the Premier League due to his technical skills, dynamism, creativity and vision. The West Derby-born star can also operate in midfield or as a quarter-back—as evidenced by his recent performances for Liverpool and the England national team.
Due to his qualities on the ball and leadership skills, Les Merengues view him as the ideal candidate to take over from the ageing Carvajal at right-back. PSG’s entry into the mix could ruin their plans though as they look to recruit Alexander-Arnold to solidify their backline. As a result, Madrid must put into action their blueprint to sign the Liverpool star, giving their best shot to sign him as early as January.
A player of Alexander-Arnold’s quality, experience, winning mentality and leadership skills will make him an asset to have in the squad for Madrid. He has won it all with the Merseyside giants and may now be tempted to play for arguably the biggest club in the world. The Englishman perhaps has everything in his locker to succeed at Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid will be able to secure a pre-contract agreement with Alexander-Arnold if he fails to reach an agreement over a new contract, but with PSG lurking behind the scenes, the European champions must do their best to persuade Liverpool into selling one of their prized assets in the January transfer window.
The Reds will be extremely unlikely to let their vice-captain leave midway through the season but Madrid must at least test their resolve with a formal offer at the start of 2025.
