Florentino Pérez has a big objective for next season. He wants to strengthen the defensive area, especially on the right flank, where there are problems and a generational change is needed. The name at the top of the list is Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires on June 30.
However, Florentino has wanted to test the possibility of signing Alexander-Arnold before his contract with Liverpool ends. Real Madrid has a problem that needs to be solved immediately, as soon as possible, and the president has contacted them to find out his price in January.
Trent Alexander-Arnold can leave Liverpool for free in June 2025, not in January. The Reds have been adamant in this regard; the reality is that they don't want their player to leave in January. That's why they have set a totally prohibitive price for him, making it impossible for him to leave for Real Madrid so soon.
OKDiario has revealed that Liverpool is asking for £40 million (around €50 million) to let Trent Alexander-Arnold leave in winter. Florentino Pérez's response to this valuation was clear and straight: he's completely out of the question; he'll wait until June.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will Have to Wait: Florentino Decides
He's not planning to pay the amount that England is asking for, not for a player who will be free in a few months. Florentino Pérez is clear that Trent Alexander-Arnold costs the 50 million euros that they are asking for there. However, they are not in a position to pay that much.
That's why the president of Real Madrid plans to wait until next summer for the English full-back. By then, he'll be able to join the squad totally for free after his contract terminates.
Florentino Has a Plan B for Trent Alexander-Arnold
Jesús Fortea, born in 2007, is Real Madrid's first transfer since Carvajal's injury. He is a second-year youth player who is shining under Arbeloa: Ancelotti hasn't lost sight of him and liked what he's seen. So much so that, according to Marca, Fortea won't return to the youth team. Such an order has already been given.
Jesús Fortea will go little by little: First he'll train several times with the first team, while he's gradually incorporated in the squad. The idea is that he'll have the opportunity when Lucas needs a rest and there's no other option of a certain level available, such as converting Militão to right-back.
Madrid hopes he'll perform well for the rest of the season. Then, they will reinforce the team with a full-back of the caliber of Trent Alexander-Arnold for free.