Real Madrid’s “Obsession” With Alexander-Arnold Intensifies

At this stage, it’s perhaps the worst-kept secret in football. Real Madrid are not only interested in Trent Alexander-Arnold, but they are ‘obsessed’ with him, according to football insider Fabrizio Romano.

“I had one more confirmation this week: Real Madrid’s obsession is Trent Alexander-Arnold,” said Romano. “They internally started the discussion in March of 2024. He is option number one, two and three — and today I can tell you it’s also option four and five!”

“Real Madrid see Alexander Arnold as the perfect piece for their puzzle. They keep Alexander-Arnold on top of their list, and nothing is changing their mind: Trent, Trent, Trent,” he said.

Alexander-Arnold is looking likely to depart his boyhood club for the same transfer fee as he signed for them: $0, thanks to the player’s contract expiring at the end of the 2024-25 season. The right-back emerged through Liverpool’s youth academy and blossomed into one of the league’s most dynamic defenders. While Liverpool may be disappointed they won’t receive a transfer fee worthy of his talent, it will be a significant chunk taken away from their wage bill to make room for more signings.

While Liverpool could have one defender departing this summer, Romano insisted they will look to bring in other defenders too, notably Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen:

“In the summer, top clubs will arrive [for Hato]. Let’s see what Liverpool decide to do. Liverpool will look to sign an important center back. It could be a young talent, as this is the view of Arne Slot as a coach. We can now say that not only Huijsen, but Hato is being monitored by Liverpool. What I am told is that Liverpool is already planning for another three or four scouting missions for Jorrel Hato, to understand what they want to do with this player. Hato is for sure one player that is being watched by Liverpool.”