Real Madrid could renew their efforts sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in January but will happily wait until the summer if the Premier League chiefs reject a sale, according to reports.
Alexander-Arnold is among a handful of big names heading for free agency, and the timing seems perfect for Madrid as 32-year-old Dani Carvajal reaches the final stages of his illustrious career.
The Athletic it says that Madrid are ‘convinced’ of signing Alexander-Arnold in the summer, but a move in January could facilitate progress towards a record 16. Champions League.
Liverpool have already rejected an approach from Madrid to sign Alexander-Arnold this month, with the Reds backing down so quickly that no detailed discussion of a potential transfer fee has even taken place.
If Liverpool were fine to let Alexander-Arnold leave mid-season, to ensure they at least pocket some sort of transfer fee, Madrid were said to be happy to “agree a fair price” in January. What the European champions might think of that figure has not been revealed.
The need for Alexander-Arnold sooner rather than later seems to outweigh the desire to avoid paying a fee for his transfer. With Carvajal off until summerMadrid lack a senior right-back apart from veteran winger Lucas Vazquez.
Strengthening at that position is considered more important than recruiting at center back, where the team has been similarly devastated by injuryand the added quality of Alexander-Arnold is seen as a potential game changer in Europe.
Alexander-Arnold expressed his dream earlier this season to become the first full-back to win it Golden ballwhich would be more possible as a Real Madrid player. He also counts current Bernabeu star and compatriot Jude Bellingham among his closest football friends.
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