Real Madrid and Barcelona ready to battle for Liverpool star - Reports

Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly planning to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold. The full-back only has a year left on his contract at Anfield, and the Spanish giants have taken notice of this.

Alexander-Arnold has been one of the best full-backs in the world since he broke through the Liverpool first-team under Jurgen Klopp. His attacking contributions have been immense for the Reds, providing an impressive 81 assists in 310 games.

With just one year left on his contract, Alexander-Arnold has become a much more valuable option for interested parties. According to a report from The Sun (via Daily Mail), both Real Madrid and Barcelona are closely monitoring his situation at Anfield.

This is particularly because he is yet to renew his deal with the club, having seen Jurgen Klopp leave the club with Arne Slot taking over. According to the report, Alexander Arnold would not be averse to an exit from Anfield with a move to Spain looking potentially viable.

For Liverpool, on the other hand, keeping Alexander-Arnold is a priority, with rumours claiming that they are looking to provide an increase to his current base wage. Rumours have also claimed that a move to the Santiago Bernabeu could be on the cards due to his closeness and friendship with Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.

Having won seven trophies with Liverpool, Alexander Arnold remains one of their most important players of the Klopp era. It would arguably be a coup for either Barcelona or Real Madrid if they sign him this summer.

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Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen pushes for Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid, ahead of Barcelona

If Trent Alexander-Arnold does make the switch to Spain, he would not be the first Red in recent times to do so, with Luis Suarez notably making the switch to Barcelona. The former striker prospered alongside Lionel Messi at Camp Nou, and the duo now play together at Inter Miami.

Now, Michael Owen has pushed for the right-back to make the switch to Madrid, having done a similar thing during his career. He said (via Daily Mail):

"Obviously Real Madrid at the moment are the best team in Europe. They are the biggest team in the world and have that iconic kit and their players… It's the best stage in Europe.

"I had a similar thing at that stage of my career, and I decided that it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. I don't know if it’s an opportunity for Trent or a possibility, but he'd have a lot to think about if they came in for him."

Time will tell if Trent Alexander-Arnold will opt to remain at Liverpool or seriously consider a switch to Barcelona or Real Madrid.