Carlo Ancelotti dodges questions on Real Madrid transfer window activity

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in recent weeks and are said to have opened talks for the right-back. It's no surprise that Los Blancos are keen to bring him in as they have been without Dani Carvajal for the rest of the season due to injury.

However, the Italian coach remained tight-lipped during his first press conference of 2025, although it should be noted that Alexander-Arnold's name was not mentioned by the local press, with Ancelotti asked for a more general overview.

“Talking about this is a little more complicated. We'll see. All I can say is that we have a lot of games in January and we are focusing on that. Talking about the market is not easy for me at the moment.”

He was pressed for a second time on the issue. Ancelotti is said to want to put pressure on Real Madrid to sign Alexander-Arnold this winter as he believes his squad is falling short. Lucas Vazquez is their only natural option at right-back in the current situation.

“I don't want to talk because it's not the time to talk about this subject here. We'll see what will happen, bearing in mind that I'm happy with the team I have.”

Regarding the new year in general, Ancelotti set himself the challenge of maintaining the atmosphere in the dressing room.

“There are games to be won, as always, there is nothing new about 2024. In November there was a negative moment where the team responded very well. The team is now highly motivated and in better shape. Alaba started training with us. So far all good. The atmosphere is good and we have to maintain it with only one thing: winning matches.”

Los Blancos are confident Alexander-Arnold will sign for them, whether in the January transfer window or in the summer. Now that his contract expires this year, he can already sign a provisional contract with Real Madrid. They are reportedly willing to spend as much as €20-25 million for Alexander-Arnold in this transfer window, but doing business in January is not something they have made a habit of in recent years.