Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly told Liverpool he wants to leave the club to join Real Madrid.
The Reds have got off to an incredible start on all fronts under Arne Slot this season and currently sit at the top of both the Premier League and Champions League stages.
However, consistent speculation has focused on the futures of three of their most integral players as deals expire.
Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract at the end of the current season.
Although the situation has remained up in the air in recent weeks, it appears there has been a major development regarding Alexander-Arnold's future on Merseyside.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Marca, the 26-year-old has informed Liverpool chiefs that he wants to leave his boyhood club to join Carlo Ancelotti.
From January 1, the England international will be free to discuss terms for a Premier League exit.
The report claims that Real are willing to discuss terms when the transfer window opens, but notes that the Reds would prefer him to leave as a free agent in the summer rather than on a fee next month.
The opportunity to play alongside close friend and England teammate Jude Bellingham would also be an incentive for Alexander-Arnold to make the move.
Last weekend, Jamie Carragher claimed Alexander-Arnold's legacy at Anfield could be damaged if he chooses to leave the club for free.
'If he stays at the club. He will be remembered as one of the best players to ever play for the football club, not far behind Steven Gerrard,” Carragher said.
“If he doesn't, he won't be remembered that way. If he doesn't care that's fine, but I'm just telling you what Liverpool supporters are [think].'
He continued: “If I were to advise Trent I would say, it's not just about leaving. I think people understand it at Real Madrid.'
'A big part of that is the free transfer. That's a lot of anything. It's the fear that you won't leave us, [but] “Where's our money to replace you?”
'You may not agree with that, but it's just a fact. I would say: “Sign a contract. Make sure it has a decent buyout clause, that's not ridiculous. And if Real Madrid want to buy you in twelve months…”
Alexander-Arnold has started 15 of Liverpool's 18 Premier League games this season and has provided four assists in that time.
The Reds currently sit six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal in the table, while also having a game in hand.
Liverpool's last league win came during Jurgen Klopp's reign in the 2019/2020 season, as they stormed to a first title of the Premier League era after just three defeats all season.
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