Former Liverpool player Alexander Arnold excelled for Real Madrid at the weekend but he faces an uncertain future
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 14: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid looks onduring the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid future is uncertain(Image: Denis Doyle, Getty Images)
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Whilst attention remains focused on Liverpool's summer recruitment plans, the club have been shaken by speculation that one of their key players is attracting interest from fierce rivals Manchester United. Liverpool enjoyed a substantial summer recruitment drive that saw them smash their transfer record on two occasions.
The benchmark was initially broken with Florian Wirtz before being surpassed again with Alexander Isak. Their investment also featured £79m on Hugo Ekitike, £40m on Milos Kerkez, £29.5m on Jeremie Frimpong and £26m on Giovanni Leoni.
The Reds' campaign has not unfolded as anticipated thus far. Nevertheless, Arne Slot's squad remain competitive in the Champions League and FA Cup, whilst also pursuing European qualification, and strengthening their remarkable summer investment will surely take priority over losing significant players.
Today's roundup sees Liverpool confronted with the prospect that United are pursuing Alexis Mac Allister. Elsewhere, Real Madrid boss, and ex-Liverpool defender, Alvaro Arbeloa has commented on the situation surrounding former Red Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Manchester United target Mac Allister
United are considering a surprise move for Alexis Mac Allister. The club are on the lookout for a new midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window, and 27-year-old Mac Allister has been identified as a potential recruit.
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The powers that be at Old Trafford are believed to be closely monitoring the Argentina World Cup winner, who still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool acknowledges the fans following the teams victory in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on February 14, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Manchester United are considering a shock swoop for Alexis Mac Allister (Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
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Rumours have been swirling about Mac Allister's future at Anfield, as the former Brighton star has had a challenging season, falling short of his usual high standards.
There have been several instances of players representing both United and Liverpool during their careers, including Michael Owen and Paul Ince, but no one has made a direct move between the two clubs since 1964, when Phil Chisnall made the contentious switch.
Trent Alexander Arnold's future
Former Liverpool player Alexander-Arnold seems to have received reassurances about his future at Real Madrid. The full-back notched up his second assist for Los Blancos over the weekend, having joined the club last summer.
Arbeloa, who played for Liverpool from 2007-2009, took over from Xabi Alonso as Madrid's manager last month. The Spanish heavyweights have won all five of their league matches since then.
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Madrid triumphed over Real Sociedad 4-1 at home over the weekend, a match in which Alexander-Arnold excelled with a series of signature passes. The defender was making his first start since December 3 following an injury break.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold has struggled for minutes at Real Madrid(Image: Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
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Rumours have been swirling that the ex-Reds right-back could depart Madrid after just a single season. Some reports even suggested he was given the green light to seek a new club.
However, Arbeloa has offered his perspective on Alexander-Arnold. He's asserted that Madrid "want" players of the Liverpudlian's calibre.
"He seems very, very intelligent to me; he understands the game quite well and quite quickly," Arbeloa said following Saturday's victory. "He's not the typical full-back who's always out wide; he'll also be playing a lot further inside. In our system, we want players like that."