Trent Alexander-Arnold has just confirmed he’s leaving Liverpool.
The Liverpool right-back put out a statement on Monday morning, which read: “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.”
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, and here’s why it’s bad news for Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool could now intensify interest in Ola Aina after Trent Alexander-Arnold exit
Liverpool will now be in the market to replace Alexander-Arnold, which is certainly no easy task for Arne Slot.
That said, it’s understood Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina is one target Liverpool are eyeing and they could now open talks with the right-back ahead of the summer transfer window.
Forest have been bracing themselves for Aina bids, with a number of Premier League clubs showing an interest in the defender.
Manchester City have been credited with an interest in recent weeks, as have top five competitors Chelsea, who sold him to Torino in 2019.
Aina’s contract situation
Forest recently activated Aina’s one-year contract extension, however, they’re still in a vulnerable position.
The 28-year-old’s deal at the City Ground expires next summer, so this would be the last chance for them to cash in before losing him on a free transfer.
Indeed, club chiefs will be working on tying him down to a new long-term deal to fend off Liverpool and other suitors, but they must be quick, as Slot could come calling over the coming weeks.
A number of Forest’s key players have been subject to interest recently, with Manchester City advancing their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Napoli have also made Callum Hudson-Odoi their top target, too.
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