Manchester City could be on high alert following a shocking development in Spain that could cement Trent Alexander-Arnold in the transfer market.
The former Liverpool star’s high-profile move to Real Madrid has reportedly ended his spell at the Bernabéu.
Trent Alexander-Arnold says he’s not in Arbeloa’s plans.
According to a report from Spain carried out by the Liverpool Echo, Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has had a “frank conversation” with the England international.
According to the report, Arbeloa was “clear, honest and frank” in telling Trent Alexander-Arnold that he was not part of his future plans and that he would have to find a new club in the summer.
The decision was described as “purely sporting” rather than punitive.
Real Madrid bosses reportedly feel that the English player does not need a “less demanding situation” to regain his confidence after being seen as a failure in Spain.
The newspaper added: “The Englishman recognizes that his time at the club has been a failure and that staying on the bench for another year will only make things worse.”
Man City should make Trent their top target to replace Kevin De Bruyne
This development presents a unique market opportunity for Manchester City.
The Premier League giants have yet to truly fill the creative void left by Kevin De Bruyne.
Other midfielders provide control, but few have the creativity to win the chaotic matches that characterized the Belgian era.
The door is now wide open for City to land the perfect long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne, with a return to Anfield looking impossible due to his falling out with the fanbase.
Alexander-Arnold’s ability to dictate play from deep and his elite passing range make him the frontrunner to take over De Bruyne’s creative mantle at the Etihad.
Statistically, the similarities between the two are striking. Both players have previously topped the Premier League charts for expected assists (xA) and progressive passes.
Like De Bruyne, Alexander-Arnold’s greatest weapon is shooting from the right half-space.
Data from his peak season in the Premier League showed he averaged more than 2.5 key passes per 90 minutes, matching De Bruyne’s record. His ability to execute ‘quarterback’ style passes and slam early crosses into corridors of uncertainty mirrors the very service that Erling Haaland will develop into.
However, despite the reports and despite his early struggles, Trent is unlikely to leave Real Madrid anytime soon.
But if he does, Man City will undoubtedly be one of the elite clubs to do everything in their power to sign him.
