Liverpool offer massive contract worth £78m to Trent Alexander-Arnold as Reds attempt to fight off free transfer to Real Madrid in the summer

According to the Mirror, the Reds have put forth a staggering contract extension to retain their star full-back amid intensifying interest from Real Madrid. The deal, reported worth £300,000 per week, is aimed at securing the 26-year-old’s long-term future at Anfield. However, the competition is fierce, as Madrid are ready to match Liverpool's terms while also including a significant signing bonus if Alexander-Arnold joins them as a free agent in the summer.

The enticing offers have left Alexander-Arnold facing a tough decision. On one side is Liverpool, his hometown club, where he has blossomed into a global footballing icon and remains a fan favourite. Staying would provide him the opportunity to cement his legacy as a Kop legend, while also earning £78 million ($97m) over the course of the new deal on offer. On the other side is Real Madrid, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, offering the allure of becoming a "Galactico" and a chance to play alongside his close friend Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool’s management believes they have done everything within their power to persuade Alexander-Arnold to stay. The proposed deal represents the club's commitment to keeping him through the prime years of his career. Although no official demands for the captaincy have been made, Alexander-Arnold is seen as the natural successor to Virgil van Dijk, a testament to his leadership qualities and his value to the team.

Madrid, eager to bring the England international to the Bernabeu, have reportedly prepared a £20m ($25m) bid to secure his services in January, despite the fact that he would hit free agency in the summer. Nonetheless, the defender is reportedly against making a mid-season move and is reluctant to disrupt Liverpool’s momentum in what could be a title-winning campaign for Arne Slot's side.