Real Madrid and Barcelona “argue over” Liverpool replacement, who is “unhappy” under Arne Slot

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly at the centre of a “battle” between Real Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.

Arne Slot was unimpressed by Alexander-Arnold's dissatisfied reaction to his substitution the Merseysiders' 2-0 win against Brentford.

Slot, who otherwise had a dream first game as coach, spoke to a visibly disappointed Alexander-Arnold on the bench after the English defender made way for Conor Bradley in the 72nd minute.

It happened shortly after Mohamed Salah had doubled Liverpoolafter Luis Diaz's opening goal, but Slot denied any suggestion of a dispute with Alexander-Arnold, who played for England at the 2024 European Championship.

Slot said: “He didn't look so happy when he was substituted, I understand that. Every player wants to play 90 minutes, but I don't think the players who were on the bench from the start were really happy with my choice.”

“But Trent has come back from the national team, where he played quite a lot at the beginning of the tournament, then stopped, had a couple of weeks off and came back – this was only his third game.

“We have to take care of him because we need him all season and not just for the first two games. The good thing for me is that I have a very good replacement in Conor. That means we're taking care of Trent, but he played a good game.”

And now there are reports from Spain claiming that Real Madrid and Barcelona are “in dispute over Alexander-Arnold” with a view to a free transfer before next summer, when the Liverpool defender's contract expires.

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It is believed that “both have started to pursue the Englishman”. Real Madrid are looking for “a full-back with attacking potential who fits Carlo Ancelotti's playing philosophy”, while Barcelona see Alexander-Arnold as the “ideal profile” to strengthen the right-back position.

The report continues: “Both clubs have already begun to make contact with the player's entourage, who would not mind a change of scenery after a decade at Anfield. Alexander-Arnold would be open to a new experience in La Liga, where he would become one of the biggest signings of the summer. The battle has begun.”

And former Everton CEO Keith Wyness insists Alexander-Arnold appears unhappy at Liverpool and can “understand” the links to Real Madrid.

Wyness said Football Insider: “All the signs, rumours and body language have suggested that this could be the end for Trent at Liverpool. But it is a difficult end.”

“If it worked out this summer, something would have happened by now. I can understand the connections to Real Madrid.”

“But now there is one day left and nothing has happened.

“Trent doesn't seem happy, so maybe something was rejected or negotiations are going on. I don't have any inside information, but it seems like something is going on.”