Trent Alexander-Arnold could still snub Real Madrid transfer and stay at Liverpool

The circumstances were very different but Liverpool fans of a certain age will remember when a Steven Gerrard move to Chelsea seemed odds-on. Instead, , signed a new deal and was there for another decade. A similar outcome for Trent Alexander-Arnold is not unthinkable.

It would be too simplistic to suggest Alexander-Arnold might be having second thoughts about a move to the Spanish capital . After all, it was only one game and Real Madrid is still Real Madrid. It is still one of the most famous, most glamorous clubs in the world, with a fantastic stadium in a fantastic city.

And yes - as people never tire of telling us - when Real Madrid come calling, it is hard to resist. Plus, a move to Madrid on a free transfer would be extremely lucrative for Alexander-Arnold. But the humbling at the Emirates was a reality check for those who have put this Real Madrid team into some sort of rarefied bracket.

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Commentators who watch them week in, week out, have been telling us this current edition of Real Madrid is vulnerable and nowhere near as formidably potent as some would have us believe. The loss to Arsenal was their FIFTH in the Champions League this season. As well as being battered by Arsenal, they were comfortably outplayed by Liverpool and Milan.

In their last two matches against Barcelona - one in the Spanish Super Cup and the other in La Liga - they have conceded nine and scored only two in a pair of hammerings. They trail Barca by four points at the top of the La Liga table.

And, of course, whether they are winning or losing, there is daily speculation about the future of Carlo Ancelotti. At Anfield, there is a stability about the Premier League champions-elect that has been reinforced by the news that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are expected to sign new two-year contracts.

This is a very good Liverpool side, only edged out of the Champions League by a very exciting Paris St Germain team and they are going to win the Premier League by a considerable margin. Apart from a mis-step in the FA Cup at Plymouth Argyle, Arne Slot’s first season at the helm has been a very impressive one.

Bar the odd appearance from Federico Chiesa, it is a season he has negotiated with the squad that was left to him by Jurgen Klopp. You can expect significant recruitment at Anfield this summer.

And in all probability, the recruitment will include a replacement for Alexander-Arnold. At the age of 26 and having been at Liverpool since he was a boy, a move to Madrid would represent an exciting challenge for Alexander-Arnold.

While they have not been as convincing this season, it is still a team with plenty of world-class talent and a history like no other and all the noise from Spain suggests it is pretty much a done deal. But perhaps Real Madrid are not as irresistible as many seem to think. Perhaps there is still time for Trent to have a change of heart.

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