Real Madrid hatch new January transfer plan amid Trent Alexander-Arnold interest
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season, but an injury to Dani Carvajal could change things
Real Madrid could be forced to rethink their pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold after Dani Carvajal picked up a serious injury.
Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season and Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the England international. They will be able to negotiate with Alexander-Arnold in January about signing him for free in the summer, but the deal could be complicated by Carvajal's injury.
The right-back tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Madrid's 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday and he is set to be out of action for around eight months. In a post on social media, Carvajal wrote: "A serious cruciate ligament injury has been confirmed.
"I will have to undergo surgery and be off the pitch for a few months. I'm already looking forward to starting the recovery and coming back like a beast. Thank you all very much for your messages, I feel very loved."
READ MORE: Sky Sports fans can save £216 on their bill, here's three other reasons you'll want to pick itREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid: 'Contacts' made after Liverpool icon admits problemMadrid have announced that Carvajal's contract has been extended until 2026, but his injury leaves manager Carlo Ancelotti with Lucas Vazquez as his only senior option at right-back. As a result, Spanish outlet Marca are reporting that Madrid are accelerating their search for a new right-back.
The report notes that Alexander-Arnold 'has been talked about' as a potential January signing, but that depends on whether Liverpool are willing to sell him in order to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
The report adds that a decision will be made on the right-back situation 'in the next few days', with youngsters Lorenzo Aguado and David Jimenez additional options at Ancelotti's disposal.
Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has remained coy when discussing his long-term future. "I have always said I want to captain the club, that is an aim of mine and a goal of mine, (but) whether that happens is out of my hands," he said last month.
"Look, I have been at the club 20 years now, I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public. And this one won't be either. I want to be a Liverpool player this season (as a minimum) is what I will say.
"The most important thing is always trophies, if I am honest. "I want to win trophies, I am a player who is highly motivated by trophies and winning things and being elite. So that is probably the main factor of anything, if you have a personality that is elite, who wants to win and will do anything to win, then that is what drives me."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.