BREAKING NEWS: Coming live from Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool set asking price for Trent Alexander-Arnold as they are prepared to see the England international.

Liverpool is not expected to let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave before the season concludes, as they have set a high asking price that Real Madrid is reportedly unwilling to meet during the January transfer window.

With just eight months left on his contract, the 26-year-old full-back has become a focal point of transfer discussions. A product of Liverpool’s academy, Alexander-Arnold is linked with a move to Real Madrid, and speculation suggests he may opt not to renew his contract, potentially paving the way for a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu next season.

Real Madrid seems prepared to wait until summer for Alexander-Arnold. Interest in him grew when he expressed a desire to become the first full-back to win the Ballon d’Or, a title often associated with La Liga players.

This context may amplify Real Madrid’s interest in him. Although Dani Carvajal’s injury has prompted the club to consider mid-season reinforcements, reports indicate that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is unlikely to authorize a January offer due to Liverpool’s steep valuation.

Liverpool has set a minimum price of £42 million (€50 million) for a January transfer. However, Real Madrid is hesitant to spend that much on a player who could be signed for free in six months. With Alexander-Arnold’s contract approaching its end, Perez realizes he doesn’t need to overpay to secure the English international. The prospect of joining Real Madrid is enticing for any player, especially one who hasn’t ruled out a transfer. Moreover, since he can negotiate a pre-contract in two months, Madrid is in a strong negotiating position.

Until there are official updates on Alexander-Arnold’s situation, Liverpool fans are anxious that one of their standout homegrown talents may be playing his final season at Anfield. Since his debut in 2016, Alexander-Arnold has been vital to the team, contributing significantly during the 2018-19 Champions League run and accumulating 102 goal involvements in 322 matches across all competitions.

His potential exit raises concerns about Liverpool’s future, considering the influence he has had since rising through the ranks.