Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has this weekend spoken out on the ongoing speculation linking star defender Trent Alexander-Arnold with an exit from the club.
The name of England international Alexander-Arnold has of course been dominating the headlines at Anfield for some time now. This comes as the 26-year-old’s terms with Liverpool continue to inch towards an incoming conclusion. As things stand, TAA will officially be out of contract in the summer of 2025. And long tipped to take advantage of this situation have been Spanish champions Real Madrid.
The brass at the Santiago Bernabéu are widely understood to be on the lookout for reinforcements at right-back with a view to next season. This comes after long-time stalwart Dani Carvajal was condemned to a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with a serious knee injury. With Carvajal set to turn 33 following the turn of the year, too, securing alternative options, in turn, has emerged as something of a priority for Carlo Ancelotti and co.
And Alexander-Arnold, who could well be available as a free agent next summer, has been identified as a leading target on the part of Real Madrid. Speaking to the media this weekend, Liverpool headmaster Arne Slot was therefore drawn on the ongoing links between his defensive star, and Los Blancos. And the Dutch tactician made use of the opportunity to call for calm amongst the club’s supporters:
“Well, our players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis. If you think they’re disturbed by these interests, then I think you don’t do justice to how used they are to this.”
“You just focus on what you have to do. Maybe if you’re 17 or 18 years of age, that could be difficult for you. But Trent has won the league, has won the Champions League, Virgil van Dijk and Salah are the same.”
Alexander-Arnold will be expected to play a leading role on Sunday evening, when Liverpool mark their post-international break return to action in a Premier League meeting with Chelsea. The Reds are currently sitting pretty atop the table, having racked up six wins from their opening seven outings of the term.
