Trent Alexander-Arnold Facing £40m Real Madrid Headache as Speculation Grows

Trent Alexander-Arnold's debut season at Real Madrid has been marred by injuries and uncertainty, with reports suggesting the club eyes a £30m Wesley Gasper signing from Roma as potential competition or replacement.[1]

The 27-year-old Englishman joined Real Madrid last summer on a deal reportedly worth £10m ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, fulfilling a dream move to the Bernabéu.[1] However, fitness concerns plagued him from the start. He missed the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain due to injury and suffered further setbacks—a two-month absence after a September Champions League match against Marseille, followed by another muscle injury in early December.[1] These issues have limited him to just 13 appearances across all competitions, with only six starts in La Liga.[2][4]

Despite the struggles, Alexander-Arnold showed glimpses of his quality in a recent 4-1 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad, where he started after 73 days sidelined. He provided an assist for Gonzalo García's opener with a stunning delivery, completed eight long balls, and earned two key passes before being substituted in the 60th minute.[2][3] Spanish media praised him effusively: Marca likened him to "David Beckham returned to the Bernabeu," calling his play "like a Swiss watch in motion."[2] Manager Álvaro Arbeloa hailed his "insane" passing and intelligence, noting he can invert inside, interchange positions, and elevate the attack alongside stars like Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.[2][3][4] The win propelled Madrid atop La Liga ahead of Barcelona.[2]

Yet, speculation swirls about his future. Madrid media questioned the signing early on, and with Dani Carvajal's contract extension in doubt, the club is reportedly targeting Roma's Wesley Gasper—a £30m former Flamengo full-back who impressed since joining Italy last summer—as an "insurance policy."[1] Reports indicate Madrid might cut ties with the £280k-per-week star, especially if injuries persist, amid broken promises like Xabi Alonso's January sacking.[1] Interest from Manchester City and Newcastle could bring him back to England.[1]

Alexander-Arnold's social media post after Sociedad—"Good to be back"—signals determination, but his injury-hit campaign raises questions about his Bernabéu fit.[3] Real boss Arbeloa insists they are "lucky" to have the improving talent, vital for title contention.[4]

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