Real Madrid have reportedly fast-tracked their plans to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, with a move now being targeted for the January transfer window.
Initially, Los Blancos had been preparing to pursue the England right-back in the summer of 2025 when his contract at Anfield was set to expire, but with recent injury setbacks to key defenders, they are eager to bring forward their pursuit. According to Marca, the Spanish giants are working on a deal that could see Alexander-Arnold make a mid-season move, and they are prepared to include Aurelien Tchouameni in a player-plus-cash swap that would also involve €25 million (£21m, $26.6m).
The move comes after a series of significant defensive injuries at Real Madrid. Both Dani Carvajal, the regular right-back, and Eder Militao, a central defender who had also been considered as an option for full-back, have suffered long-term knee injuries. As a result, manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly keen to bolster his defensive options as soon as possible, and Alexander-Arnold, who has long been admired in Madrid, has emerged as a top target to address the issue. The 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football, and Real Madrid have seen him as a “sure thing” for their future squad, but the urgency of their defensive crisis has accelerated their interest.
The proposed swap deal would see Tchouameni, a talented French midfielder, move in the opposite direction to Liverpool, alongside the cash sum. Liverpool are reportedly open to this arrangement, but the deal remains contingent on convincing both Alexander-Arnold and Tchouameni to make the move. Both players would need to make significant mid-season adjustments, which is often a difficult proposition, especially with the ongoing campaigns for their respective clubs.
While Real Madrid’s interest is no secret, Alexander-Arnold has so far shown little inclination to push for a departure this January. According to sources close to the player, he has expressed a desire to stay at Liverpool for the remainder of the season, particularly as the Reds are currently in a strong position under the guidance of their new manager, Arne Slot. Despite the allure of a move to Madrid, Alexander-Arnold appears committed to finishing the season at Anfield, especially given the exciting direction in which the club is heading. Slot’s detailed and intense coaching style has already shown dividends in improving his game, with Alexander-Arnold highlighting the tactical adjustments that have helped him grow.
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In a recent interview, Alexander-Arnold spoke highly of Slot’s methods, saying the manager’s attention to detail and strict approach to training has had a significant impact on his development. The England international has praised Slot’s focus on positional play and the development of tactical awareness, which has seen his own game evolve under the new regime. With Slot’s tactical acumen playing such a big role in Alexander-Arnold’s growth, leaving Liverpool in January would seem premature, especially when the club is riding high in both domestic and European competitions.
However, despite Alexander-Arnold’s apparent reluctance to force a move, Real Madrid officials have been reportedly in constant contact with his representatives over the past months, discussing the possibility of a transfer. While Alexander-Arnold is focused on his current role at Liverpool, the allure of joining one of the world’s biggest clubs is undeniably strong. Still, the player’s priority seems to be ensuring a smooth end to the current season, rather than disrupting his career mid-way through.
On the other side of the proposed deal, Aurelien Tchouameni’s potential departure from Madrid has also raised questions. The French midfielder has had his share of criticism from the Spanish media, but he remains an important part of Ancelotti’s plans. Nevertheless, Tchouameni is reportedly open to a move, with Liverpool’s interest adding another layer of intrigue to the situation. For Tchouameni, the chance to play in the Premier League could be appealing, although the player will need to weigh the pros and cons of leaving Madrid after just a couple of seasons.
Despite the complexities of the deal, Real Madrid are keen to get something done. Ancelotti, however, has previously distanced himself from speculation regarding January signings, stating that he did not request any new players during the winter window. The Italian manager emphasized that Madrid had managed their squad well in the past and were prepared to do the same in the coming months. Yet, the ongoing defensive issues at the club have seemingly pushed them to reconsider this stance.
Real Madrid’s desperation to shore up their defense is clear, but it’s equally evident that the January window may not be the best time to execute a deal of this magnitude. Both Alexander-Arnold and Tchouameni are important to their current clubs, and making a mid-season move could have lasting implications. For Liverpool, the prospect of losing one of their most influential players mid-season, especially during what could be a successful campaign, is a daunting thought. Furthermore, there are concerns that losing Tchouameni would leave a significant gap in Madrid’s midfield, particularly with the Frenchman still finding his feet in the team.
As the January window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will push forward with their plans to bring Alexander-Arnold to the Santiago Bernabeu, or whether Liverpool will hold firm and keep their star full-back for the remainder of the season. The potential swap deal involving Tchouameni may be enticing, but the complexity of the situation means a quick resolution is unlikely.
For now, it appears that Alexander-Arnold’s future will remain in limbo as he continues to perform for Liverpool and weigh his options. The 26-year-old has repeatedly stated his commitment to the club for the time being, and it seems unlikely that he will leave mid-season unless a deal is simply too good to turn down. As for Real Madrid, the pressure is mounting to find a solution to their defensive issues, but it seems that they may have to wait until the summer to land Alexander-Arnold, rather than securing him in January.
In conclusion, while the speculation surrounding a potential January move for Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to make headlines, the likelihood of a deal being struck in the winter transfer window remains slim. Real Madrid may have accelerated their plans, but both the player and the club face significant hurdles in completing such a high-profile transfer mid-season. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Alexander-Arnold’s future lies at Liverpool or if he will make the switch to the Spanish capital, either in January or the following summer.
