Alex Kirkland
Rodrigo Fuzz
March 26, 2025, 04:41 AM ET
Real Madrid is “very optimistic” about signing Trent Alexander Arnold on a free transfer this summer, sources told ESPN, but no agreement with England International has been finalized.
The two parties have been in talks for several months, and Madrid is confident that there is no problem with entering into a deal with just signatures that lack final details and signatures, sources said.
The Lariga Giants were keen to bring in Alexander Arnold, 26, during the January transfer period — considering issues at right back — but Premier League leader Liverpool refused to consider a mid-season departure despite knowing that summer moves would be free.
ESPN reported that Madrid will move to close trading this summer. Sources told ESPN that players’ camps have been ongoing discussions since January, with growing optimism that a deal is approaching.
Alexander Arnold is Real Madrid’s long-term goal, assessing the player’s talent, potential and ability to contribute to more advanced positions.
Trent Alexander Arnold is a long-term target for Real Madrid, and the club wants to sign him freely in the summer. Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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The need for right-backs for Spanish and European champions became even more urgent when 33-year-old Dani Carballard received a long-term ACL injury in October.
Madrid has pursued a strategy to secure elite players with free relocations in recent years, seeing David Alaba, Antonio Lie Digger and Killian Mbappe arrive in Santiago Bernabe.
In Carvajal’s absence, backup Lucas Vasquez frequently represented right-back, but midfielder Federico Bar Verde was also impressed by his position.
Madrid currently ranks second in Lariga, playing Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey next month in the Champions League quarter-finals.
