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Liverpool boss Arne Slot shared a lighthearted response when he was asked to address Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract situation during a press conference. The English superstar is in the final year of his deal at Anfield, and he has been linked with a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid.
Slot, of course, replaced Jurgen Klopp as the club's manager this summer after the German decided to call it quits at Anfield. When asked to address Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool, the Dutch tactician pulled out a Klopp-esque response and said that he wanted to continue the tradition set by his predecessor.
Slot said, via the club's official website:
"My answer would probably be a bit boring… I think it's the same answer you've heard in the last five, six or seven years [when Klopp was the club's manager]. Contract situations are not discussed at this place. But just keep trying [to ask the question], I would say..."
Slot and Klopp seemingly share a cordial relationship. The German, in his on-field speech following the end of Premier League gameweek 38, welcomed the former Feyenoord boss with open arms and asked the fans to get behind him.
As for Alexander-Arnold, it remains to be seen if the Reds manage to tie him down to a new contract. He has been on the club's books for the entirety of his career, registering 19 goals and 81 assists in 310 senior matches.
Pundit says Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold may not be able to resist Real Madrid transfer
Glen Johnson believes a transfer to Real Madrid may prove to be too good to turn down for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Born and bred in Merseyside, the 25-year-old is a fan favorite and considered one of the very best players in the world in his position.
The former Reds and Chelsea right-back said (via Liverpool Echo):
"Madrid’s Madrid. Liverpool are going to be going through some uncertain times in the short-term, so if Real Madrid are at the table, it’s difficult for players to not go. If he goes there, he’s likely to win the Champions League again, so I don’t think he could turn that down and Madrid would be crazy to not try and sign him.
"He could even sign a pre-contract with them from January onwards, but Liverpool can’t lose him for free. He’s way too good for that to happen and it would be ridiculous business for Liverpool to allow him to leave on a free transfer."
Losing the Englishman on a free would be a nightmare situation for Liverpool. Kylian Mbappe's transfer saga has shown the 14-time UEFA Champions League winners' pull in the market and their ability to pull off bargain moves at the other team's expense.
