Chelsea target Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold as Alonso seeks reunion

The right-back has struggled to secure a regular starting place in recent weeks, featuring in only one of Real Madrid’s last five matches. He played 52 minutes against Villarreal in LaLiga, while competition for the position has increased.

Federico Valverde has been used at right-back by José Mourinho, with Denzel Dumfries also providing an option following his arrival. That has left Alexander-Arnold facing a battle for minutes, despite joining Madrid from Liverpool in 2025.

The situation has reportedly attracted the attention of Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who worked with Alexander-Arnold during his time at Madrid. Journalist Simon Phillips has reported that Alonso would like to bring the defender to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are said to be considering further options at right-back.

Alexander-Arnold’s passing range and ability to create chances from deep positions would offer Chelsea a different attacking profile, although any move would depend on Real Madrid’s willingness to negotiate. The 28-year-old remains under contract at the Spanish club until 2031.

Liverpool have also been linked with a possible return for their former academy graduate. The defender spent years at Anfield before leaving for Madrid, and a reunion would offer him a route back to familiar surroundings if his role in Spain continued to diminish.

However, the current links remain speculative. There has been no confirmed offer from Chelsea or Liverpool, and Alexander-Arnold has not publicly indicated that he wants to leave Madrid.

His situation has developed amid a difficult period for the defender, whose first season in Spain was affected by injury and inconsistent involvement. With the season still in progress, he has an opportunity to regain his place and convince Mourinho that he can be a regular part of the team.

For Chelsea, the prospect of signing a player with Alexander-Arnold’s experience and technical ability may be appealing, particularly if he becomes available. For now, though, any potential transfer will depend on how his playing time develops and whether Madrid are prepared to consider an approach.