Trent Alexander-Arnold's dream move to Real Madrid has not unfolded as planned, sparking a theory that he could make a stunning transfer to Arsenal this summer. Former England striker Teddy Sheringham believes the 27-year-old could revive his career at the Premier League champions.
Alexander-Arnold's Difficult Spell at Real Madrid
Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool amid controversy last year, aiming to cement the right-back role at the Santiago Bernabeu and even target the Ballon d'Or. However, he has struggled with fitness issues and inconsistent form since his switch to Los Blancos. He lost the battle to permanently oust veteran Dani Carvajal from the starting lineup and was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.
The impending departure of Carvajal initially offered hope, but his situation may have deteriorated further. Real Madrid has agreed to bring in Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, and Alexander-Arnold is now poised to play under Jose Mourinho, his third manager at the club following Xabi Alonso's dismissal and caretaker boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arsenal's Right-Back Need
Arsenal could be in the market for a new right-back after Ben White and Jurrien Timber endured injury-plagued campaigns last season. Natural centre-back Cristhian Mosquera frequently filled in for Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions. Sheringham reckons that while a Liverpool homecoming is not on the horizon, a contentious switch to north London might be possible.
"Liverpool fans might not want him back, so it does narrow down where he could go," Sheringham told BOYLE Sports. "He doesn't immediately strike me as an Arsenal player, to be fair. I think they're too strong and resilient and work as a proper back four unit. But they could make it work for him."
Sheringham added: "Even if you have an organised back four with fantastic players, if you leave him on his own Trent looks all over the place, but that was true of Harry Maguire when Manchester United weren't playing well. If you did that to Tony Adams or Steve Bruce, they'd have looked shocking. If you put Trent in an organised, structured back four, and they work as a unit, that's what playing in a team like Arsenal is all about. If someone worked with Trent along those lines, coached him to get in the right position at the right times, then I'm sure he could improve in that position to give Arsenal that extra dimension that he brings to a team."
Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool Legacy and Madrid Future
Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool having won two Premier League titles in five years, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup, two League Cups, and the UEFA Super Cup. However, he endured a trophy-free first season in Spain. Despite the challenges, he has pledged to push on in Madrid, indicating no plans to leave soon.
Sharing a post on Instagram at the close of the season, he wrote: "Madridistas, you have welcomed me with open arms. From the first day I arrived you have had my back. It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment but I feel completely at home now. I will take a good break and put the work in over the summer. I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season!"
