Trent Alexander-Arnold gives Liverpool transfer ultimatum, with Real Madrid ready to pounce

Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly thrown down the gauntlet to Liverpool and it is increasingly likely that he will give Arne Slot a year to convince him to stay at Anfield, or join his English friend Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.

Multiple reports have claimed that Madrid have stepped up their interest in signing the right-back and are now drawing up concrete plans to sign the Reds' vice-captain, dealing a major blow as Slot begins his reign at Liverpool.

It was previously unclear whether Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool fan who grew up on Merseyside, would be willing to leave the only club he has represented during his senior career.

But The Independent claims a move to the Bernabeu is increasingly tempting, given his growing friendship with Bellingham. However, it is likely that he will stay at Liverpool for another year and see how they fare after Jurgen Klopp's departure, before reassessing his future.

Liverpool fans had been delighted by the closeness between Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham as the midfielder weighed up his options after Borussia Dortmund, but now that relationship could backfire if Madrid can sign a second England star.

Some members of England's Euro 2024 squad believe Alexander-Arnold's link with Bellingham could play a crucial role in his future.

A key question remains, however. If Alexander-Arnold wants to assess his future at the end of the season, he could do so as a free agent. The 25-year-old has just one year left on his contract at Anfield and is free to hold talks with overseas clubs in January to agree a pre-contract agreement.

Liverpool will be encouraged by Alexander-Arnold's claims that he wants to stay at the club for the rest of his career and one day become captain. Current captain Virgil van Dijk's contract also expires in less than 12 months, posing a similar problem for the Reds' hierarchy.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but Liverpool,” Alexander-Arnold told The Times in 2018. “I want to stay at Liverpool for the rest of my career. That’s what I’ve always dreamed of. Liverpool is special. It’s all about the fans. Whether we win or lose, we always have their love.”

“I want to become a captain one day. It is definitely a dream of mine. I hope that with dedication, the right guidance and the hard work that remains to be done, I can one day achieve this dream of becoming a captain, something that my family and I will be very proud of if it happens.”

Liverpool appear to have a year to convince Alexander-Arnold to fulfil his own prophecy and fend off interest from Real Madrid, ensuring more pressure is heaped on Slot's first season at Anfield.