REPORT: Real Madrid chasing Liverpool star to join Mbappe

Reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid have ramped up their pursuit of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

The 25-year-old defender has been a mainstay at Anfield since joining the club as a youngster at the age of six before amassing a staggering 310 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with 19 goals and a remarkable 81 assists.  

Alexander-Arnold was an important component under Jurgen Klopp, playing a key role in the club's eight-trophy haul, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. 

Widely regarded as one of Europe's most creative right-backs, the England international, recently featuring at Euro 2024 en route to the Three Lions ending second, would be a valuable asset for new Liverpool boss Arne Slot. 

However, with his contract entering its final year, speculation surrounding his long-term future at Anfield has recently intensified. 

Spanish giants Real Madrid have previously been linked with a move for Alexander-Arnold, and according to Bild, Los Blancos' interest is now "concrete”. 

They have reportedly been in contact with the player's representatives for a month and are closely monitoring his contract situation with the Reds as Carlo Ancelotti's side seem to be preparing for life after right-back duo Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, both 32 and out of contract in 2025. 

While Vazquez is set for a one-year extension, Carvajal's future remains uncertain and Real Madrid seemingly view Alexander-Arnold as the ideal candidate to fill the right-back void in the coming years. 

While it is unclear whether the Liverpool player is keen on leaving his boyhood club and venturing abroad, a move to Real Madrid would see the 25-year-old alongside fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham, who impressed in his debut season for Los Blancos in 2023-24, as well as the club's newest Galactico signing, Kylian Mbappe, who was officially unveiled on Tuesday.