Real Madrid Eye Sensational Trent Alexander-Arnold Swap Deal, Offer Aurelien Tchouameni

In a potentially groundbreaking transfer story, Real Madrid have set their sights on Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and could sweeten the deal by offering world-class French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in a player-plus-cash arrangement. According to reports from Fichajes, the Spanish giants are keen to bring the English right-back to the Santiago Bernabéu, but whether Liverpool would entertain such an idea remains to be seen.

With Alexander-Arnold’s contract set to expire at the end of this season, speculation has intensified around the player’s future at Anfield. While the Reds are said to be negotiating a new long-term deal with the 25-year-old, the lure of Real Madrid could prove to be tempting. However, several factors will come into play before a move like this materialises.

Real Madrid’s Approach and Liverpool’s Position

Reports from TEAMtalk indicate that Real Madrid have reached out to Alexander-Arnold’s representatives to gauge his interest in a potential move to Spain. More importantly, TDF states that Real Madrid are preparing a formal offer in the region of €25m (£20.9m) for the England international. However, Liverpool’s stance is reportedly firm—they “want more than just money.”

In order to facilitate such a deal, Fichajes claims that Liverpool are looking for a swap involving either Aurelien Tchouameni or Rodrygo. While the Spanish side has made it clear that Rodrygo is off-limits, they haven’t ruled out including Tchouameni in the deal. This is significant because the French midfielder has been a key figure for Real Madrid, starting nearly every game in La Liga this season. Despite his importance, it appears the club might be willing to part with him if it means landing Alexander-Arnold.

From a Liverpool perspective, this rumoured offer is intriguing but far from straightforward. While the Reds have a long-standing interest in Tchouameni, having failed to sign him before he joined Real Madrid, their priority is clearly to retain their defensive talisman. Alexander-Arnold has grown into a pivotal figure at Anfield, and under Arne Slot’s management, he’s expected to be central to Liverpool’s plans moving forward.

Liverpool’s Midfield Needs Could Factor Into The Deal

While Liverpool are likely to resist any approach for Alexander-Arnold, the club’s need for a midfielder could play a role in the transfer saga. With Arne Slot keen to bolster his squad in January, Liverpool’s interest in a new defensive midfielder is well documented. Despite Ryan Gravenberch impressing in his role this season, Wataru Endo has struggled to convince the coaching staff, leading to speculation that reinforcements are needed.

In the summer, Liverpool came close to landing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with a €60m deal nearly completed. However, Zubimendi decided to stay in Spain. According to the same Fichajes report, Liverpool continue to monitor Zubimendi’s situation, though the player has indicated that he has no intention of leaving his club in 2025.

Another name linked with Liverpool is Atalanta’s Ederson, who has caught the eye of several European clubs, including Manchester City. A January move for the Brazilian international could be on the cards, but Atalanta are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £50m.

Given these midfield concerns, Tchouameni’s inclusion in any swap deal with Real Madrid could theoretically appeal to Liverpool. Slot is reportedly open to the idea of adding competition to his midfield ranks, and Tchouameni would certainly be an upgrade. However, this would only be viable if the Reds were willing to let go of Alexander-Arnold, a scenario which still seems highly unlikely.

Why Trent’s Departure Remains Unlikely

Despite the swirling rumours, sources close to TEAMtalk have reported that a January exit for Alexander-Arnold is improbable. The English international remains a priority for Liverpool, and negotiations over a new contract are already underway. Slot’s side are prepared to make Alexander-Arnold one of the club’s top earners, ensuring his future remains at Anfield.

While the prospect of joining one of Europe’s biggest clubs may intrigue Alexander-Arnold, the defender remains “fully focused” on his duties at Liverpool. Unless there’s a drastic shift in circumstances, it seems the January transfer window will close without this deal coming to fruition.

Liverpool fans can rest assured that the club is doing everything in its power to keep one of its homegrown stars. And with the right incentives on the table, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where Alexander-Arnold would leave, especially with his current importance to the team.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, the idea of letting Trent Alexander-Arnold go, even for a player of Aurelien Tchouameni’s calibre, would likely be met with scepticism. Alexander-Arnold has not only been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success in recent years but is also a symbol of the club’s academy, making his departure a particularly emotional prospect. Yes, Tchouameni could fill a glaring need in the midfield, but losing Trent would be a blow, especially given his versatility and leadership on the pitch.

Furthermore, Alexander-Arnold’s ongoing development under Arne Slot should not be understated. As he transitions into a more central role at times, becoming a hybrid midfielder-defender, it’s clear that his technical skills and vision are increasingly vital to Liverpool’s evolving tactical setup. Losing him to Real Madrid would feel like a step backwards at a time when Liverpool are building towards another title challenge.

Finally, while Tchouameni is an exciting prospect, he’s not guaranteed to be a seamless fit in Liverpool’s midfield. The Premier League is a different beast compared to La Liga, and even top players can take time to adapt. For now, keeping Trent at Anfield should be the priority, and any potential offers, no matter how enticing, should be firmly rebuffed by the club.