Trent Alexander-Arnold sent blunt Real Madrid warning as Liverpool star told his 'perfect club'

Ex- Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit reckons Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold should not be looking to leave Anfield next summer .

The Reds defender is out of contract in 2025 and has been linked with a move to join Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. As things stand, come January, the 25-year-old will be allowed to begin negotiations with any side who want to sign him when the transfer window opens next summer.

And Liverpool's contract headache with Alexander-Arnold has been compounded by the fact they are also having to deal with the impending expiration of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah's contracts too. All three have been in good form so far this season, with the latter two potentially forcing Michael Edwards into extending their deals at Anfield despite their age.

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But, while Salah and Van Dijk will be 33 and 34 respectively come the beginning of the 2025/26 season, Alexander-Arnold will be just 26. The Reds defender is in his prime and is a world class player capable of changing a game with a single pass.

Under no circumstance can Liverpool let Alexander-Arnold leave, but the reality is they might not be able to convince him to stay at Anfield if Real Madrid try to lure him to the Bernabeu. However, Petit believes the Reds full-back is currently "at the perfect club" and should not be looking to leave next summer.

"Trent Alexander-Arnold is the future of the football club," said Petit, speaking to Top Offshore Sportsbooks . "He’s at the perfect club for his ability as a football player.

He's very good on the counter-attack. He’s a very good crosser, and very intelligent with the ball. His ability on the ball is incredible, but without the ball, he's not the best. He’s not a brilliant defender in terms of defending, winning tackles, and you have to say that is one part of his game that he will never get better at because his mentality as a player to look forward and not worry about fighting for balls.

I can’t see him leaving. He’s a Liverpool boy, the team and its tactics get the best out of him. He can fulfill all his ambitions at the club. I think it would be a massive gamble if he was to move on. Liverpool, and playing a certain type of football, is all he has ever known.

Liverpool.com says: "It is imperative Liverpool keep ahold of Trent Alexander-Arnold. But the reality of the situation is they could lose him for free next summer. At 26, Alexander-Arnold has won everything there is to win in club soccer with Liverpool and may be interested in a new challenge. Ultimately, careers are short and when Real Madrid want someone, they usually end up getting their way."