REAL MADRID is reportedly keen on signing Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot. This interest follows their repeated attempts to acquire Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is set to expire this summer.
However, with Liverpool performing strongly in the Premier League and Alexander-Arnold being a local talent, Madrid may reconsider their pursuit of him in light of a potential new contract at Anfield.
Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s team is said to be targeting Dalot as an alternative. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Madrid values the 25-year-old at around £41 million. The 15-time Champions League winners previously inquired about Dalot while Erik ten Hag was still at the helm.
Dalot has made 178 appearances for United and was named player of the year by his teammates last season. His significance increased during United’s challenging 2023-24 campaign, as he started 35 of 38 Premier League matches and scored twice.
New manager Ruben Amorim will evaluate the squad moving forward, but Dalot is likely to remain a key player. He has four years left on his contract after signing a new deal in May 2023.
On the other hand, Madrid could potentially acquire Alexander-Arnold for free, as he enters the final six months of his Liverpool contract after rising through the youth ranks. New manager Arne Slot will aim to persuade him to extend his stay at Anfield, which may be challenging if the club maintains its positive momentum.
Currently, Alexander-Arnold is eligible to sign a pre-contract with an overseas club in January, as his contract expires in June. However, Madrid has expressed a desire to respect Liverpool, who recently defeated them 2-0 in Europe, by clarifying their intentions.
Alexander-Arnold, who has recorded an impressive 84 assists and 23 goals from the right-back position in 326 appearances for Liverpool, has long been linked with a move to Madrid. Los Blancos are currently without their usual right-back, six-time Champions League winner Dani Carvajal, who is sidelined with a ruptured ACL.