Trent Alexander-Arnold edging towards Real Madrid move after announcing Liverpool exit

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to sign a six-year contract with Real Madrid in the coming weeks, having decided to leave Liverpool for a new challenge.

The Spanish champions have been keen on the England star, 26, and despite having a cut-price offer rejected in January, they are now poised to secure their top summer transfer target for free.

Alexander-Arnold confirmed his departure from Anfield in an emotional video message to Liverpool fans on Monday morning. While he didn't reveal his next destination, it's expected to be announced soon.

As outlined by The Athletic, sources in Spain expect Alexander-Arnold to put pen to paper on a six-year deal with Real Madrid in the coming weeks as the domestic season draws to a close.

The move will end Alexander-Arnold's 20-year affiliation with the Reds, whom he joined at the age of six. He has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League since since rising into the senior ranks whilst establishing himself as one of the best right-back's in the world.

Alexander-Arnold confirmed the worst kept secret in football on Monday with a heartfelt message to fans, saying: "After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season. This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life. I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven't spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team's best interests, which was securing No.20.

"This club has been my whole life – my whole world - for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all. But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.

"I've given my all every single day I've been at this club, and I hope you feel like I've given back to you during my time here. From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters - for the last 20 years. I've been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I've been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die."

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