Trent Alexander-Arnold pre-match, with Pep Guardiola in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago)
Callum O'Connell
Thu 29 January 2026 9:03, UK
Man City are considering a move to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold back to the Premier League amid doubts about his future with the Spanish giants.
Since joining Real Madrid from Liverpool in the summer, the 27-year-old has started just seven games across all competition due to injuries and poor form.
Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen at right-back, and Alexander-Arnold would be the “perfect” fit.
A combination of Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis and Abdukodir Khusanov have filled the position this season, but the boss is keen for a more natural option.
Alexander-Arnold’s capability of stepping into midfield from his right-back role would fit in with City’s style of play, and his potential availability has set off alarm bells.
Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrating post-game for England
Credit: Getty Images
Man City set sights on Trent Alexander-Arnold
Football Insider revealed in November that Real Madrid are unlikely to sell Alexander-Arnold in the near future after spending years convincing him to make the move.
However, should his struggles in Madrid continue, there is a growing feeling he could be tempted into a move back to Premier League football.
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“*Alexander-Arnold has had his issues in Madrid,*” Brown told Football Insider.
“But I have heard Man City are looking at him, and that’s interesting because we know they have been looking for a right-back for some time.
“They’ve had some inconsistencies over the last two seasons and that is largely because they haven’t had a stable and solid defence, largely due to injuries and whatnot.
“That’s why they went out and got Marc Guehi, to help stabilise things at the back.
“Right-back has been a problem for a while, because the players filling in there are fine and they’re doing a good job, but they’re not naturals in that position.
“That’s what Pep Guardiola wants, a natural right-back, and Alexander-Arnold would be perfect for that because he can also step into the midfield.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola applauds after a game.
Credit: Imago
“At the moment, they’ve got midfielders like Nunes and Lewis filling in because they’re good on the ball, but the midfield part comes more naturally than the defensive part.
“Alexander-Arnold can do both, so it will certainly be interesting if he does become available, I’m sure it will set alarm bells off at City.”
Jack Grealish to Everton update after serious injury blow
Alexander-Arnold is not the only player to have his future thrown up in the air by injury issues, as Jack Grealish’s future at Everton is now uncertain.
Grealish is currently out of action for Everton with a fractured foot, and the early expectation is that he will not return until much later in the season.
However, Football Insider revealed on 29 January that Everton still want to sign Grealish permanently with City keen to push the deal through.
Jack Grealish applauds the Everton supporters
Credit: Imago
Sources say the injury is not a major concern for Everton aside from the immediate blow his absence will deliver to David Moyes’ starting XI.
The Merseysiders have the option to buy Grealish for £50million when his loan deal expires at the end of the season, but hope to agree a reduced fee.
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