Chelsea have been linked with a move for former Liverpool right-back and current Real Madrid player Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The England international joined Los Blancos ahead of the Club World Cup last summer, but he endured an injury-hit debut campaign at the Bernabeu and he has fallen down the pecking order since the appointment of Jose Mourinho ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Summer signing Denzel Dumfries has immediately usurped Alexander-Arnold since his arrival from Inter Milan, while Federico Valverde has also been used in a right-back role by Mourinho this term, with the 28-year-old facing an uncertain future as a result, according to Football Transfers.
Alexander-Arnold has only started four of Real Madrid’s 13 matches across all competitions so far this campaign and he has already been an unused substitute on six occasions.
The former Liverpool man has been heavily linked with an Anfield return amid his lack of game-time at the Bernabeu, while Chelsea have also been touted as possible suitors amid rumours that Malo Gusto may be sold next year.
The Blues’ interest has been confirmed by Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips and it’s understood that Xabi Alonso’s side are keeping close tabs on Alexander-Arnold’s situation as they ponder a possible approach.
However, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has revealed that Real Madrid will not allow Alexander-Arnold to depart during the upcoming winter transfer window.
When asked if he believes Alexander-Arnold will leave Real Madrid, Balague told talkSPORT: “No, not in January.
“What he’s feeling right now is ‘Okay, it’s not my time, but it will be my time, I will prepare for my time’. That’s how he’s taking the whole thing.
“But there are two ahead of him in the same position (Valverde and Dumfries) and in fact, Eder Militao was also used as a right back against Sevilla. So is he fourth choice? He’s certainly third it seems.
“But he’s not down, he’s been told by Mourinho to keep at it, he will have his moment.
“It’s been unfair that when he has played from the start, he has played in the midfield because of the absentees.
“But in any case, he’s got to keep fighting and he wants to succeed at Real Madrid, so he’s got no intention of leaving.”
