Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a free transfer to Real Madrid after months of speculation over his future amid interest from the Spanish giants
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been defended by Stephen Warnock following a backlash on social media in the wake of reports claiming that the Liverpool star has decided to join Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Reds right-back, 26, has been courted by Real Madrid for months and has been free to speak with clubs from overseas since January after entering the final six months of his deal. It now seems an agreement is close to being finalised.
While it's been outlined that Alexander-Arnold wants to make the move, Liverpool have not been informed of any deal.
They remain keen to keep their homegrown star, who has been with the club since the age of six. But all indications are that doing so will be a struggle with Los Blancos now closing in on their top summer target.
Fans have taken to social media in their droves to react to the news. But Warnock has been left upset by some of the "deluded" comments towards Alexander-Arnold.
"Can’t believe the negativity directed towards Trent Alexander-Arnold and his potential move away from LFC. I’ve seen comments like 'he should be ashamed' and he’s 'not loyal to the club' are deluded," Warnock wrote in a post on X.
"He’s entitled to make his own choices and challenge himself in a different league and different country. He’s won everything with LFC, been an incredible servant to the club and should be given a great send off by the fans."
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With Alexander-Arnold edging closer to an exit, all eyes will now be on Liverpool and their attempts to keep hold of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who are also out of contract at the end of the season.
Both players have expressed a desire to extend their stay at Anfield beyond the current campaign. However, like with Alexander-Arnold, no agreement has yet been struck after months of negotiations.
Arne Slot has been consistent with his response to questions over the trio's future this season: he wants them all to stay. The Dutchman's side are next in action a week on Wednesday when they host Everton in the Merseyside derby. They are currently 12 points clear of Arsenal at the Premier League summit with just nine games remaining.
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