Trent Alexander-Arnold could return to the Premier League in January after being dropped down to third-choice for Real Madrid's 2-1 win at Barcelona. Former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a shock move to Chelsea.
The 28-year-old left the Reds in June 2025 to join Real Madrid in a £10million deal. But, following a mixed debut season at Los Blancos, he has fallen well down the pecking order since Jose Mourinho's arrival in the summer, leading to speculation about his long-term future at the club.
Game Time Concerns
He is thought to be unhappy with his lack of game time, having started just four matches this season, and could explore a move back to the Premier League. Although Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to make a sensational return to Liverpool, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has now said that Chelsea are prepared to offer him an exit route from Real Madrid if he becomes available.
The Blues are thought to want to strengthen in that position with Reece James out until at least mid-January after undergoing surgery on a new knee injury. Malo Gusto is expected to deputise in his absence, though Alexander-Arnold could become an option for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea once the January transfer window opens.
Scout's Assessment
"One name who I have heard in connection with a move to Chelsea is Trent Alexander-Arnold," Brown told Football Insider. "It came as a bit of a surprise to me, to be honest, but he has fallen well down the pecking order at Real Madrid to the point where he's now the second or even third choice.
"It appears Mourinho doesn't rate him particularly in that right-back position, and he's not the only one, because he's been out in the cold for England as well. Alexander-Arnold is a talented footballer who has a very good skillset, but it is those weaknesses in his game that often raises concerns.
"Chelsea, though, will always be keen on the possibility of signing a big-name player, it's just what they do, so they'll be keeping an eye on whether he does become available."
Liverpool Return Ruled Out
"There's always the talk about him going back to Liverpool as well, but I don't think that's going to be a possibility because of the way he left, nobody was particularly happy," Brown added. "They'll want to avoid that situation coming up again, as will he I expect, so Chelsea could be where he ends up and he could be tempted if they decide to make a move."
Alexander-Arnold has dropped down to third-choice at Real Madrid with Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries ahead of him. Despite this, he is still one of the players in his position.
