Real Madrid have no intention of offloading Trent Alexander-Arnold this January, despite mounting speculation linking the England star with a shock return to the Premier League with Manchester City.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Merengues consider the 27-year-old “untouchable.” Although reports from TEAMtalk suggested that Pep Guardiola had placed the defender on his shortlist to solve City’s defensive depth issues, Real Madrid’s board has communicated that he remains a fundamental part of the club’s long-term project.
Injury Woes, Not Tactical Choice
Addressing rumors that Alexander-Arnold is “unhappy” with his limited minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu, sources close to the club insist his absence has been strictly medical.
- Current Status: Final stages of recovery from a recurring muscle injury.
- Return Date: Expected for the first week of February.
- Competition: Fede Valverde and Dani Carvajal.
Why Real Madrid Won’t Sell
Having fought hard to sign him from Liverpool as a free agent, Real Madrid are unwilling to even set an asking price for the right-back. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa is reportedly eager to integrate a fully fit Alexander-Arnold into his starting XI, viewing his elite crossing and playmaking as the key to unlocking stubborn defenses in the final stretch of the season.
The Manchester City Links
While Guardiola is known to be a long-term admirer of the Scouser’s technical ability, Real Madrid believes there is “zero room” for negotiation. The Spanish giants are confident that once Alexander-Arnold regains full fitness, any talk of a move back to England will vanish.
For now, Arbeloa is expected to continue with Fede Valverde filling in at right-back, while club captain Dani Carvajal provides veteran cover from the bench.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
