Arne Slot says he has spoken to Trent Alexander-Arnold about Real Madrid's interest in the Liverpool full-back and is confident transfer speculation surrounding him will not destabilize his performances.
Liverpool rejected a January transfer approach from Real on New Year's Eve, with the Spanish giants looking to bring forward their move for the England international due to Dani Carvajal's long-term injury.
The Reds have made it clear that they have no intention of selling Alexander-Arnold this month and remain hopeful of a new contract for the club's vice-captain.
Asked about Alexander-Arnold's future and his discussions with him, Slot said: “Do you really think (I'll say)…? I completely understand the question and why you're asking it, but you already know the answer, these conversations that I have never shared, not about Trent, not about others, about what I talk to them about.
“If it destabilized players at Liverpool to have other people talking about them, then we would have a real problem because when you play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, everyone is always talking about you – for 12 months – sometimes in relationship to the players.” to other clubs.
“That happens so often for our players, so if that destabilizes them then we would have had a real problem, not just now, but also in the last six months, because there have been some conversations about our players in the last six months and I not.” I don't think it destabilized them at all.”
On the potential of his departure in January, Slot added: “I can tell you that he will play on Sunday (against Manchester United) and hopefully he will bring the same performances as in the last six months because everyone saw how great a team they are. first half of the season he had, how much he is here, how much he wants to win here.
“He played an incredible game against West Ham, we all remember the pass he gave to Mo. I see him working on the training pitch every day. He is completely committed to us and he will play on Sunday.” if they don't tell me he's sick, but I don't expect that either.”
Slot also praised Alexander-Arnold's performances this season, adding: “Defensively, Trent has taken a step forward this season. Excellent in some games, but also up and down in some, so it's about consistency for top players. That's where the greatest improvement can be achieved.”
Real are now considering returning with a new investigation and are prepared to pay around £20.7 million for a player who the Reds will lose for free in the summer when his contract with his boyhood club expires.
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