Liverpool have identified a Real Madrid star as a transfer target amid speculation that Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join the Spanish club this summer.
The 26-year-old right-back is reportedly close to signing a five-year deal with Madrid, leaving a gap in Liverpool’s defense for the 2025/26 season. However, a surprising report from Defensa Central claims that the Premier League frontrunners are interested in an £83m-rated Real Madrid player.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has had to reshuffle his defense due to long-term injuries to key players like Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and David Alaba, with midfielders such as Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni stepping in.
One emerging talent, Raul Asencio, has impressed since making his La Liga debut against Osasuna on November 9. The 22-year-old has since established himself in Madrid’s defense alongside Antonio Rudiger. According to The Athletic, Asencio is set to extend his contract until 2029, with a new release clause of £83.7m (€100m), doubling the previous amount.
Despite Liverpool’s reported interest, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is determined to keep Asencio, while Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing the young center-back.
Any potential transfer developments could also depend on the future of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, whose contract is set to expire this summer.