Carlo Ancelotti discusses Real Madrid transfer plans after Trent Alexander-Arnold links

While Liverpool has yet to sign a new player this summer, its Champions League nemesis Real Madrid has been splashing the cash as it usually does. Reds fans will hope their vice-captain is not on its shopping list.

The reigning European champion has signed Endrick and Kylian Mbappe ahead of 2024/25, two players who were both linked with Liverpool in the past . There have also been rumors that Real is planning to make a play for Trent Alexander-Arnold , who has entered the final year of his contract.

His close friendship with Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has predictably made some supporters nervous that the Reds’ right-back might like to play alongside him in the Spanish capital. But Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has dampened speculation by saying his club’s business is complete this summer.

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The former Everton boss was speaking in the United States ahead of a friendly against AC Milan, which takes place in Chicago on Wednesday night. "The squad is closed,” he said (via Liverpool World ). “[Jesus] Vallejo is back, [David] Alaba is recovering and we have the youngsters who are training and have a lot of quality.

“In this position we believe we are very well covered,” Ancelotti continued. “Alaba will be back and he will do well. There are no departures because everyone wants to stay."

While his comments may assuage Liverpool fans’ fears in the short term, anxiety over Alexander-Arnold’s position will remain until such time as he signs a new deal with the club. Legendary Madrid defender Dani Carvajal is out of contract next summer so Real could be in the market for a new right-back soon enough.

The La Liga giant has also repeatedly shown that it is happy to snap up top talent once their contracts have expired. Mbappe is the most recent and best example, but you can add Antonio Rudiger and Alaba from the previous three seasons as high-profile free transfers too.

It’s up to new Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot to convince Alexander-Arnold that he should remain with his hometown team. Hughes spoke on their behalf in relation to contract issues in the Dutchman’s first press conference .

"I don't think it would be fair for me to talk about, these are private matters between club and players,” he said. "The only concern that I and Arne have about those situations is total commitment from the players to the cause, and I'm absolutely convinced that is the case." No matter what Ancelotti says publicly, Madrid may hope the opposite is true.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool fans are understandably getting twitchy about Alexander-Arnold's future. It is unthinkable that the Reds could lose a generational talent on a free transfer but it remains a possibility. Most supporters won't buy Ancelotti's words for a second.