'I see him going to Real Madrid' - Ex-Chelsea star Mikel tips Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool exit

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has predicted that Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave his boyhood club Liverpool rather than signing a new contract.

The winter transfer market officially opened on Wednesday and one of the main talking points is the future of the England international fullback, with  speculation linking him to a potential transfer to European giants Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have made an approach to sign Alexander-Arnold which has been knocked back by Liverpool as the Premier League side are focused on their Premier League and UEFA Champions League ambitions. 

The Liverpool academy graduate, who has played nonstop at the Reds for two decades, is now free to speak to foreign clubs, given his contract with the Premier League giants expires in June 2025.

Los Blancos have made it clear that Alexander-Arnold is their top fullback target in the January transfer window and they are not considering other alternatives. 

The La Liga powerhouse are prepared to spend upwards of 20 million pounds to get the deal done ahead of schedule, rather than wait in the summer when he becomes a free agent. 

Considering that Real Madrid have made an approach to Liverpool, it is believed that the fifteen-time European champions have received encouragement from Alexander-Arnold. 

Mohamed Salah, who is arguably the most in-form forward in the world at the moment, and central defender Virgil van Dijk are in the same contract situation as Alexander-Arnold.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is absolutely fantastic. He has been brilliant for Liverpool. I know there's talk about the contract if he's staying or not, or if he's going to join his mate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid.

"No dsrespect to Liverpool. Liverpool is a giant of a football club, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid.

"When you look at Trent he oozes Real Madrid. I see him going to Real Madrid, I don't see him renewing. Out of the three, I think he's probably the one that will walk come the end of the season."

Alexander-Arnold has accumulated a total of 333 appearances for Liverpool, recording 20 goals and 85 assists. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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