Arne Slot calls on Liverpool's next Steven Gerrard to step up and become a club legend

Arne Slot has challenged Trent Alexander-Arnold to snub Real Madrid and carve out a Steven Gerrard-like status at Liverpool. Disregarding reports that Alexander-Arnold's move to the Bernabeu is inevitable following the Premier League giants' rejection of a £20m bid from the European champions, Slot remains unfazed.

The 26-year-old defender, whose contract is nearing its expiration, can enter into negotiations with Real Madrid for a free transfer next season, potentially earning an incredible £100 million, as well as a pay rise of 'around £100 million. 400,000 per week if he chooses Spain rather than his current club.

Slot, however, highlighted how Gerrard cemented his legacy by rejecting the lure of becoming Galactico in 2008. He remarked: “I think there was one player (Gerrard) that Real Madrid would have really loved to sign – but he didn't. 'didn't go there.'

Further instilling his confidence in the Liverpool full-back's commitment, Slot refuted the distractions such speculation can impose: “These questions about Trent are all 'what if, what if' questions.” My answer is that he is with us and his entire focus is on us.

“He's on almost everyone's team of the year for the first half of the season. That shows how good he is right now. That's the only answer I can give you.

“There are no distractions for me, and I don’t see any with Trent either.

“Just look at his performances and the way he trains. I see him training every day and he doesn't get distracted at all.”

Slot also spoke about the transfer speculation surrounding his players: “It's the same with Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah – and everyone else because, if you play at a club like this, every player is “probably for someone's benefit. It's part of football and that's why we don't get distracted by it.”

Liverpool, keen to hold on to their star players Van Dijk and Salah as their contracts come to an end, are determined to hold on to the duo in a bid to win the Premier League title. The potential loss of young Alexander-Arnold, especially to Real Madrid on a free transfer, would strike a chord among fans and diminish his standing among them.

Club icon Gerrard also faced a similar situation when Real Madrid courted him in 2008. After rejecting Chelsea, Gerrard chose to honor his deep ties to Liverpool, cementing his extraordinary legacy at the during his 17 years in office.

Reflecting on these defining moments in his career, Gerrard recently commented: “I had offers from Real Madrid and Chelsea, but my heart has always been with Liverpool and I have never regretted my decision.”