Real Madrid ready to pay transfer fee for Trent Alexander-Arnold despite expiring contract

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to pay a transfer fee to Liverpool to secure the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold, even though his contract is set to expire this summer. The talented right-back is Los Blancos' top transfer target for the 2025-2026 season, and although it was initially expected that he would join Madrid on a free transfer after his current contract ends on June 30, new reports suggest that the Spanish giants may move earlier.

'Trent Alexander-Arnold.'
Getty Images Sport 

According to The Sun, Real Madrid are considering making a move for Alexander-Arnold in early June, ahead of the start of the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, set to begin on June 15, will see Carlo Ancelotti's squad compete in the U.S., and the club is eager to finalize Alexander-Arnold’s transfer before his contract with Liverpool officially ends. The reigning La Liga champions are even willing to pay a small transfer fee to the Reds to secure his services days before his deal expires, with their opening match in the tournament against Al-Hilal scheduled for June 18.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot has not ruled out the possibility of persuading Alexander-Arnold to stay at Anfield, offering a new contract to the English defender. However, Slot has also identified Conor Bradley, another promising academy graduate, as a potential long-term replacement for the star full-back.

Liverpool will be back in Premier League action this Saturday when they face Southampton at Anfield, with Alexander-Arnold's future likely to remain a topic of intense speculation as the summer transfer window approaches.

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