Alvaro Arbeloa drops Trent Alexander-Arnold verdict after recent Liverpool rumours

Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure left a sour taste in the mouths of most Liverpool fans.

The right-back chose to exit Anfield upon the expiry of his contract rather than sign an extension and at least earn the club some money to move him on.

The Englishman was brought up in Liverpool's academy with many thinking that one day, he'd become their captain.

In the end, that obviously wasn't the case and, even though he thought the grass might be greener with Real Madrid due to things such as injuries and form, he's been left on the bench fairly regularly.

His lack of involvement with Los Blancos this term has caused many rumours to come flying in with a Premier League return even being brought up.

And now, Alvaro Arbeloa seems to have made his mind up on the defender.

Alvaro Arbeola left unsurprised at 'intelligent' Trent Alexander-Arnold

Although most Liverpool fans wouldn't want Alexander-Arnold to return, there are a few who'd love to see the Englishman back representing the Anfield outfit.

Other clubs such as Manchester City were also linked with a transfer for the defender but in the end, no concrete offers were made.

This led to the right-back staying put with many questioning whether he'd even get a look in.

However, after what Arbeola has just said about Alexander-Arnold, it's clear that his future lies with Los Blancos.

"I can't say I'm surprised. He is a very intelligent boy, who understands the game very well and quickly understands what we want from him," he said to beIN Sports.

"He is not the typical full-back who will always be wide, but he can also play inside. For us, we are lucky to have a player like that.

"Having Gonzalo in the area, he could look for crossing situations. He's a great player, I'm not going to discover him now.

"I'm happy that he continues to get more minutes, get into a rhythm and find the best version of himself."

Liverpool must figure out which defenders they want to bring in during the summer transfer window

Arne Slot and Richard Hughes may have already secured the services of Jeremy Jacquet for the 2026 transfer window but that doesn't mean that their recruitment can stop there.

One of the Reds' main problem areas this season has been right-back with almost every player who's been used there getting ruled out due to injury or suspension.

Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez can all play there but, with how unreliable the trio have been this season, it's clear that some new faces need to be brought in.

A new right-back should be on top of their priority list, especially if Ibrahima Konate chooses to exit in the summer.

At the moment, several names have been thrown into the ring for Liverpool to go after but, with a return for Alexander-Arnold now all but ruled out, it's clear that some new players must be brought in.

That is, especially if they want to improve their results from this season.

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