Real Madrid hoping to sign Liverpool Slot star

Contracts. Becoming quite a frustrating word in the red half of Merseyside. Liverpool have been brilliant this season and chasing the biggest prizes, but we're closing in on time in the kitchen on this particular front.

At least recent reports suggest that Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and his colleagues are considering extending their terms. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk And Trent Alexander-Arnoldthe offers, but if FSG will succeed is another matter entirely.

Contracts contracts contracts. Maybe it's revealing that the confirmation of The Athletic that Van Dijk has been offered a new deal and a formal approach for Salah is in the works, but all is quiet on the Trent front.

Although transfer guru David Ornstein claims talks are active and ongoing, it suggests discussions are at a different stage with the Scouse-born vice-captain. However, you can't help but feel a sense of foreboding with Real Madrid smiling like a hungry hyena in the background.

Real Madrid looking to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold

It is quite frustrating that Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's greatest academic success since Steven Gerrard, is a month away from being free to speak with foreign suitors about a pre-contract deal.

If he leaves, it seems clear that there is only one destination on the right-back's mind: the Spanish capital. Alexander-Arnold, 26, is entering the prime of his career and offers a breadth of passing and creative influence that Liverpool simply won't be able to replicate through Conor Bradley or a potential replacement.

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher said last season that “it's like Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back” when speaking about the England star's ball-playing talent.

It would be a damaging blow to lose an inspirational figure on a free transfer next summer. That said, Alexander-Arnold is not the only Anfield member to have caught Florentino Perez's eye, and indeed, this further potential saga could be even more damaging for Arne Sloton the side.

Trent is not the only Red on Real's roster

According to GIVEMESPORTReal Madrid wants to sign Ryan Gravenberch next year, after struggling for control and fluidity in the middle of the park this season following the retirement of 34-year-old Toni Kroos.

Anfield sources attempted to quell the rumors by confirming Gravenberch's dedication to the Liverpool cause, where he is happily cemented as the mainstay of Slot's midfield.

Although Liverpool would net a tidy sum from the Dutchman's sale, it's hard to imagine it being anything other than a disaster for the Merseysiders' top-flight system.

Losing Ryan Gravenberch would be a big blow

Make no mistake, it would be a calamity to lose Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, but the very nature of Liverpool's contract dilemma means there has been ample time to prepare for that unfortunate eventuality.

Last season, Gravenberch found himself on the fringes of Jurgen Klopp's regular first team, starting 13 top-flight matches and showing signs of promise, but failing to maintain a regular place with any real conviction and real quality.

How things have changed. Slot unleashed a maturity and freedom of expression that his young compatriot welcomed warmly, now repaying his faith with monstrous performances in midfield.

According to FBrefGravenberch ranks in the top 3% of central midfielders in the Champions League for successful passes and top 1% for interceptions per 90 this season, highlighting his technical quality and robust athletic energy.

He has started every one of Liverpool's matches in the Premier League and on the continent this season, and is rightly regarded as one of the most successful midfielders in Europe this season, having been praised by journalist Steve Nicol for its “sensational” form.

It's almost as if he was tailor-made for Slot football, and that's why losing him would be so damaging. Liverpool's failure to convince Martin Zubimendi Joining the cause this summer drew derision from rival fans, who laughed at the Reds' lack of strengthening at the start of a new era.

Week after week, Slot stripped his detractors of their enthusiasm for Liverpool's expected collapse, and Gravenberch was the real driving force behind the centre. There is no certainty that Zubimendi, who FSG always has an interest inwould perform at the same level in a new country to which he expressed deep reservations about moving.

Given that Gravenberch already surpasses him, these fears are only confirmed. The most exciting thing is that the dynamic Liverpool presenter is still only 22 years old and therefore still has a lot to learn, so much more to absorb.

Alexander-Arnold is also a world-class player, more so, but Liverpool already have a top prospect in Bradley and have demonstrated in recent wins over Southampton and Real Madrid that they can thrive without Trent in the mix.

Truth be told, the Slot team won't want either sensation to leave the fold anytime soon. The Reds side have proven they are capable of great things, sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League while also sitting at the top of the Champions League group stage.

However, Gravenberch begins to show that he is made elite and cannot be allowed to leave.

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