Real Madrid are ready to step up their pursuit of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer after the January window came to a close, a report has claimed.
Alexander-Arnold is now in the final five months of his contract with Liverpool and Madrid have made it abundantly clear that the right-back is their top transfer target for 2025. They have been focused on a free deal this summer but even tried to land Alexander-Arnold in a cut-price January move, only for the Reds to reject a handful of offers.
With Liverpool keeping hold of Alexander-Arnold beyond the transfer deadline, Madrid must now revert back to their plan of snapping him up for free. They are permitted to speak with the England international immediately and, according to The Telegraph, that's exactly what Madrid plan to do.
Madrid are confident of striking a deal to sign Alexander-Arnold this summer - reports have claimed an agreement has effectively been reached already - not least because the finances they are able to offer without needing to pay a transfer fee are significantly higher than the full-back would typically be able to earn elsewhere.
The main dilemma for the La Liga leaders is Alexander-Arnold's commitment to Liverpool's Premier League title charge. He is unlikely to welcome any significant distractions and, given his strong bond to the club, will also be firmly against anything which could damage his relationship with supporters.
Indeed, it has been reported that Liverpool hope this emotional attachment to the club will ultimately convince Alexander-Arnold to extend his stay at Anfield.
Both Liverpool and Madrid are expected to continue negotiations with Alexander-Arnold over an extension, but the 26-year-old will likely delay a decision on his future until far later in the campaign.
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