Liverpool have reportedly tabled a whopping £78 million five-year contract to Trent Alexander-Arnold in an attempt to fend off interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have also put forward a similar £300,000 per week offer for the 26-year-old, with the added incentive of a substantial signing-on fee if he joins them as a free agent in the summer.
This has left the player in a quandary, torn between staying at his boyhood club and potentially cementing his status as a Kop legend, or becoming a marquee signing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
Liverpool believe they have done all they can to persuade Alexander-Arnold to stay at Anfield during the prime years of his already illustrious career.
There have been no demands from the player to be made captain, as he recognises that he is the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk when the Dutchman’s time as a regular first team player comes to an end, according to the Mirror.
Real Madrid are keen to sign him immediately and are willing to shell out £20 million, despite the fact that TAA will become a Bosman free agent in the summer.
However, this is non-negotiable for Liverpool, who are currently in the midst of a potential Premier League title-winning season. The player himself is against leaving in January, not wanting to upset the balance.
The right-back has remained tight-lipped about his future, sticking to a policy of privacy on contract matters, saying: “I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”
Liverpool are reportedly more optimistic about securing Mo Salah and Van Dijk for another two years, with their contracts due to expire. Like their teammate, they are now free to discuss terms with overseas clubs; there’s sizeable intrigue from Europe and Saudi Arabia for Salah.
However, he appears inclined to prolong his time at Liverpool if the conditions are favourable.