After the failed signing of Alphonso Davies, Real Madrid hopes for an opposite outcome with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Davies even agreed to the financial terms offered by Real Madrid. He was supposed to arrive in July, with a free transfer and at no cost. But Bayern increased their offer and he has stayed in Germany.
At Real Madrid, they are suspicious. Meanwhile, they are wary of the other major free transfer they have planned: Trent Alexander Davies.
He is under a lot of pressure in Liverpool, where they are willing to offer him the moon to keep him at Anfield.
Alexander Arnold Has Given His Word, But...
The English international has given his word to Real Madrid, but there is no signature involved and anything can happen.
For this reason, the club's technical department is working on a plan B in case the English international ultimately fails.
Initially, the club considered Theo Hernández, who has grown significantly at Milan since leaving Real Madrid. He has become one of the best full-backs in the world. But he was ruled out because the priority is Alexander-Arnold and they couldn't have him blocked waiting for what happens with the Englishman.
His teammate, Álex Jiménez, is the new alternative target to Alexander-Arnold. Emerging from Real Madrid's youth academy, he is only 19 years old and is excelling at Milan.
Precisely because of the excellent performance he is delivering, Milan has contacted Real Madrid to renegotiate the terms of the transfer. They are trying to prevent the white club from taking him, as happened with Brahim Díaz.
9 Million Is the Buyback Price
Real Madrid sold Álex Jiménez in the summer of 2023 for 5 million and he is under contract until 2028.
The white club retained a buyback option of 9 million in 2025 and 12 in 2026. And Alex Jiménez is currently the first option if Alexander-Arnold fails.
The white club would have to pay 9 million euros for one of the most promising full-backs in Europe. If Alexander-Arnold fails, he would be the ideal complement to Carvajal, who is already 33 years old. This would prepare the generational change at Real Madrid's right-back position.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan's advisor, sees it coming and is looking for a solution to secure the player:
"Real Madrid has buyback clauses for Alex Jiménez but we have a good relationship with them.
Ultimatum to Alexander-Arnold
There are no negotiations now but we are happy with Alex. We trust him for the future, as I have always said."
Real Madrid has set an ultimatum for Alexander-Arnold: March 15. By that date, he must confirm whether he will wear white next season... or not.
If the Englishman finally comes to Real Madrid, Álex Jiménez will remain at Milan.
If the Englishman fails, Álex Jiménez will join Real Madrid completing the roster of full-backs with Carvajal, Fran García, Mendy, and Lucas Vázquez.