Real Madrid President Fiorentina Perez is considering making a move to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold to solve the Galacticos’ need for a new right-back, per El Nacional.
The Spanish giants have started the season strongly and sit atop the La Liga standings after the opening six games. Los Blancos are also still unbeaten, and kicked off their Champions League efforts with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan.
Yet, Perez is under no illusion that Real Madrid must acquire a superior option at full-back in the coming markets. He considers Carlo Ancelotti’s defence as one of their greater causes for concern, as the Italian’s current options do not meet the expectations of the role.
Dani Carvajal has struggled to find form after overcoming injuries, while Alvaro Odriozola joined Fiorentina on loan. Perez nor Ancelotti consider Lucas Vazquez a suitable long-term solution, either, so they have looked toward Anfield for a solution.
Ancelotti would welcome Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid with open arms if Perez is able to agree on terms with Liverpool. The Italian saw first-hand what the 22-year-old is capable of during his spell in charge at Everton.
Real Madrid are unlikely to target Alexander-Arnold any time soon as he just signed a new four-year, £180k-a-week contract with Liverpool in July. Jurgen Klopp would also be loath to lose the England international. But Perez may move next summer if Los Blancos’ finances are in a better shape, and he believes the Spanish capital outfit can afford expensive deals.
Alternatively, the Galacticos may eye a return to Madrid for Achraf Hakimi, despite the 22-year-old joining Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Mauricio Pochettino’s Ligue 1 side paid Inter Milan £52m, plus £9m in add-ons, and gave the Moroccan a five-year contract.
Could Liverpool sell Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid next summer?
It would be highly unlikely that Liverpool accept any approach from Perez to sell Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid next summer. His new contract was not only a reward for his efforts on Merseyside in recent seasons, but a sign that they consider his future to be at Anfield.
Klopp has also been effusive with praise for Alexander-Arnold and what the Reds product brings to his side. The German told BBC Sport after beating Arsenal in April: “Sensational cross. He had a pass in the first-half, the game he played tonight was just exceptional.”
But Defensa Central have also cited the Galacticos’ interest in the 14-cap Three Lions full-back. Like El Nacional, a Catalunya-based newspaper, the Real Madrid specialist outlet note Los Blancos admire Alexander-Arnold. The Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy’s concerns over Vazquez are also added, along with Carvajal, who will turn 30-years-old in January.
Additionally, they claim Real Madrid are considering Nice star Youcef Atal and Reece James of Chelsea as alternatives to Alexander-Arnold. Atal would also be the most affordable of the trio and could understudy Carvajal at first, while James is the most unlikely purchase.
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