"Who are both great players" - Liverpool legend explains why Reds won't miss Trent Alexander-Arnold if he joins Real Madrid

Liverpool icon Mark Lawrenson has claimed that the Reds will not miss Trent Alexander-Arnold if he leaves for Real Madrid. The 26-year-old's future at Anfield has been the subject of speculation in recent months, with Real Madrid heavily linked with his signature.

The Merseyside giants find themselves in a tight corner with three of their key players all entering the final year of their deals. They face the prospect of losing vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, star forward Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk on free transfers next summer.

Alexander-Arnold has been pretty quiet regarding his contract situation and previously insisted that he won't make things public. The England international, who came through the club's youth ranks, said, as quoted by Football 365:

“I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum] is what I will say. I have been at the club for 20 years now. I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”

Mark Lawrenson, who won 13 trophies during his seven-year spell at Anfield, has made a big claim regarding Alexander-Arnold. The former Republic of Ireland international defender has claimed that Liverpool already have capable replacements in Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez.

The pundit said, as quoted by Football 365:

“Conor Bradley has done well and that’s because he’s playing with plenty of freedom. Unfortunately for him, he knows that when Trent Alexander-Arnold is back from injury, he’ll go straight into the team, meaning that Bradley isn’t under any pressure when he plays."

Lawrenson added:

“If Trent leaves Liverpool in the summer, the club would be absolutely fine with their replacements as they’ve got Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, who are both great players."

Alexander-Arnold has been a key player for Liverpool since breaking into the senior team under Jurgen Klopp in 2016. He has so far made 325 appearances for his boyhood club, contributing 19 goals and 83 assists.

Conor Bradley, on the other hand, has made a name for himself while deputizing for Alexander-Arnold since last season. The Northern Irishman has made 40 appearances for the Reds so far scoring once and providing eight assists.

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez is predominantly a centre-back but has also been used in various other positions over the years. He is currently the longest-serving senior player at Anfield, having made 232 appearances since joining from Charlton Athletic in 2015.

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Liverpool prepared to go head to head with Arsenal for La Liga star: Reports

Liverpool are reportedly ready to battle Arsenal for the signature of Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. As reported by TBR Football, the Reds are considering a number of players as the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah and have identified Kubo.

Arne Slot's side took the gamble to sign injury-prone Federico Chiesa on a bargain €12 million deal in the summer. However, the Italy international has failed to stay fit and has featured in just three games so far.

Now, the Merseyside giants are believed to be preparing a move for Kubo who has been excellent for Real Sociedad. The Japan international joined them from Real Madrid in 2022 and has scored 20 goals and provided 15 assists in 103 games.

Arsenal are also believed to be keen on Kubo as they look to add more depth to their wide areas. They signed Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea in the summer. However, the Englishman has struggled to establish himself at the Emirates Stadium.