Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid player
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Chelsea are monitoring Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation at Real Madrid as the England international continues to face uncertainty over his role under Jose Mourinho, according to a report from Bernabeu Digital.
The report suggests that Chelsea could explore a transfer if the right-back becomes available, with Blues manager Xabi Alonso keen on the defender.
Alexander-Arnold has yet to establish himself as an undisputed starter at the Santiago Bernabeu, fuelling speculation about his long-term future.
However, the 28-year-old is said to be happy in Madrid and has not decided to leave, while there is currently no evidence of formal negotiations between the two clubs.
Alonso could pursue Alexander-Arnold for Chelsea
Chelsea’s interest comes as Alonso looks to strengthen his options at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso, Chelsea manager
Xabi Alonso is interested in signing Alexander-Arnold for Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold’s passing range, crossing ability and experience at the highest level could make him an attractive target if the opportunity arises to bring him back to the Premier League.
The former Liverpool defender joined Real Madrid last summer expecting to become an influential figure, but competition for the right-back position with Denzel Dumfries has complicated his attempts to secure consistent minutes.
As a result, Chelsea are keeping track of the situation rather than preparing a confirmed bid, leaving any potential move dependent on developments in Madrid.
Selection decisions complicate Trent’s Real Madrid future
Alexander-Arnold’s position has become a talking point under Mourinho, with Dumfries providing competition at right-back and Federico Valverde also being deployed in the position, according to the report.
The competition could make it difficult for Alexander-Arnold to secure the uninterrupted run of games he needs to establish himself.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid player
Alexander-Arnold is struggling for minutes at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Although his quality is still highly regarded, regular playing time is important if he is to fulfil the expectations that accompanied his arrival from Liverpool.
Nevertheless, the defender has not asked to leave Real Madrid, as his priority is to establish himself in the first team, and the situation could change if he receives a more prominent role under Mourinho.
Real Madrid hold the key to a potential Chelsea transfer
As per the outlet, Real Madrid are prepared to consider a reasonable offer if Alexander-Arnold’s situation fails to improve in the coming months.
Such a decision would depend on the club’s sporting requirements and whether they believe his departure would benefit their wider squad plans.
Chelsea’s interest therefore remains conditional. Without formal negotiations or a request from the player to leave, it would be premature to describe a transfer as imminent.
Mourinho’s future could hinge on El Clasico result as Real Madrid line up two alternatives – report
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho has just completed 100 days in charge of Real Madrid in his second spell at the club, but it looks like his future is already uncertain.
Despite the Portuguese manager showing a lot of positive signs in these first three months, Florentino Perez is said to be monitoring alternative managerial options.
According to Defensa Central, journalist Jorge Picon has suggested that Mikel Arteta and Cesc Fabregas are two coaches whose work is being closely followed by Madrid’s hierarchy.
El Clasico could increase pressure on Mourinho
Despite winning nine of his first 11 matches since returning to Madrid, Mourinho has failed to convince everyone within the club’s leadership.
The concerns are understood to centre on the team’s performances rather than results alone, with some board members questioning the lack of convincing displays.
A defeat against Barcelona on Sunday could intensify those doubts and potentially put his position at risk.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Jose could lose his job at Real Madrid if things don’t turn around. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Mourinho returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in June on a three-year contract, making any early managerial change a significant decision.
The Portuguese coach also retains support within the dressing room, but falling nine points behind Barcelona might not be acceptable for the Madrid board.
Arteta and Fabregas on Madrid’s radar
Arteta and Fabregas have emerged as two particularly attractive managerial candidates for the future.
Arteta has established himself at Arsenal and recently extended his contract until 2030, making any potential appointment complicated.
Fabregas, meanwhile, continues his managerial career at Como, where his current agreement runs until 2028.
Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como
Real Madrid are monitoring Cesc Fabregas. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Former France manager Didier Deschamps has also previously been mentioned as a possible option.
However, there is no indication that Madrid have opened formal negotiations with any potential replacement.
Dismissing Mourinho after such a short period would represent a major gamble, particularly while the squad is still adapting to his methods.
Nevertheless, Madrid’s expectations extend beyond winning matches, and Jose will understand the importance of Sunday’s fixture.
For now, Mourinho remains in charge, and it seems unlikely that Madrid will take any harsh decisions so soon. It remains to be seen how his team fares against Barça this Sunday.