The Daily Star Ireland
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, avoided commenting on the club’s interest in Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite recent reports that the Champions League holders had made an initial enquiry for the England right-back, Ancelotti remained cautious about discussing potential signings during a press conference.
Real Madrid’s Approach Rejected by Liverpool
Real Madrid’s initial attempt to inquire about Alexander-Arnold’s availability was met with a firm refusal from Liverpool. The Premier League club is determined to retain the 26-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer. Even reports of a potential second approach from Madrid, accompanied by a £20 million cash offer, are unlikely to convince Liverpool to part ways with their star player.
Ancelotti, when asked about possible January signings, stated that it was not the right time to discuss transfer matters. He emphasized the team’s focus on upcoming matches and expressed confidence in the squad despite injury challenges.
Liverpool’s Stance on Alexander-Arnold’s Future
When Real Madrid first reached out, Liverpool made it clear that they had no intention of selling Alexander-Arnold and were prioritizing their efforts in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Liverpool currently sits at the top of both competitions, further cementing their resolve to hold on to the player.
Although Alexander-Arnold is now eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement, Liverpool continues to negotiate a new deal with him. The player’s representative, his brother Tyler, has been in talks with the club, and there has been no indication from Alexander-Arnold that he intends to leave.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, the defender has kept quiet about his future, refusing to make his contract situation public. When questioned about it, he stated that he has been with the club for 20 years and has signed several contract extensions privately, indicating that his current negotiations would follow the same path.
Nevertheless, Madrid is expected to intensify its interest as the January transfer window progresses, but Liverpool remains steadfast in their commitment to keeping Alexander-Arnold.
