The transfer saga involving Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool and Real Madrid has dominated the headlines, especially since the January transfer window officially opened.
The 26-year-old’s contract at Anfield runs out this summer and Liverpool are still in talks to tie him down to a new deal.
However, Real Madrid made an official offer to sign Alexander-Arnold in January, while they continue to work behind the scenes to snap him up for free if their efforts prove futile.
And now, James Pearce has revealed what he’s heard about the Liverpool vice-captain’s future as he prepares to make one of the toughest decisions of his career.
Trent Alexander-Arnold to decide between Liverpool and Real Madrid imminently
The 26-year-old has been in fine form under Arne Slot and with Real Madrid desperate to add him to their ranks, he has two fantastic options in front of him to take the next step in his career.
Carlo Ancelotti suggested Real Madrid could sign players in January, which is a potential hint that they are in the running for Alexander-Arnold this month.
However, multiple reports have confirmed that the Reds will not entertain any offers in January regardless of the transfer fee as they look to compete on all fronts while also trying to tie him down to a new contract.
Pearce feels Alexander-Arnold should make his decision in the coming days, with the saga expected to reach a conclusion in January as opposed to being dragged on for the rest of the campaign.
“So I think the information I have is that there isn’t a definitive decision yet on his future,” said Pearce on The Athletic’s Walk On podcast.
“But of course, if that is the case, if he hasn’t, then he’s going to have to make it very, very soon.”
Liverpool should convince Alexander-Arnold to stay
The Liverpool vice-captain is one of a kind and has been with the club his whole life, so his potential departure will undoubtedly be a tough pill to swallow for the Anfield faithful.
Alexander-Arnold reportedly has two demands to sign a Liverpool extension – to get a three-year contract and to captain the club in the future.
Liverpool will be happy to keep him as long as he likes and there is an air of inevitability about him succeeding Virgil van Dijk as captain, raising the possibility of the two parties coming to an agreement.
One way or another, everyone involved should look to reach a conclusion in the coming weeks to avoid the saga from derailing the title challenge.
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