Real Madrid 'ganged up' on Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool transfer nerves grow

Real Madrid is being strongly linked with a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold as his contract dwindles down at Anfield , with the right-back's future causing a stir due to fears the Spanish giants could swoop in the final 12 months of his deal.

The Anfield favorite has become a rumored target for the La Liga champions this month, with suggestions his bromance with current Los Blancos star and England teammate Jude Bellingham is having a major impact on proceedings , following their time away together during Euro 2024 .

But amid all the transfer talk involving the 25-year-old, previous comments from one of Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool teammates that suggested he was once "ganged up" on by the Champions League holders have resurfaced.

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According to Reds defender Virgil van Dijk , the academy graduate was targeted by Real Madrid's players during the 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv, in which the Spaniards emerged 3-1 victors to earn their third-successive title. The Dutchman claims that once Mohamed Salah was forced off with injury, the opposition flooded the left flank.

Speaking to Dutch outfit De Telegraaf in November 2018, Van Dijk said: "Mentally, something changed for Real Madrid once Salah left the pitch. Suddenly, Marcelo, (Karim) Benzema and (Cristiano) Ronaldo all ganged up against our young right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and left the whole right flank free. With Salah, they would not have dared.'

Alexander-Arnold was just 19 years old at the time and still very much an academy graduate, although he acquitted himself well throughout the game and in difficult circumstances, too. Since then, he has matured into one of the best right-backs in the world.

Fast forward six years and the experienced pro is being strongly linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. According to Bild , the Spanish club has made contact with Alexander-Arnold as its interest becomes "concrete." What’s more, the Reds full-back is said to be interested by the approach from Los Blancos.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is yet to meet the academy graduate, with the Reds set to head to the U.S. for a pre-season tour next week. Alexander-Arnold, however, is set to take an extended break following his exploits at Euro 2024 with England.

Nonetheless, the new head coach has been planning talks with the right-back, although it is apparent discussions over resolving the players future will also take place. Liverpool must do all they can to keep hold of Alexander-Arnold and it is unthinkable what should happen if a new deal is not agreed.