“Steven Gerrard didn’t go to Real Madrid because it was Liverpool” - Carragher sends strong message to Alexander-Arnold amid transfer rumors

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has shared his thoughts on reports of Real Madrid's links with Trent Alexander-Arnold. He believes the right-back will stay this summer but the Spanish giants might come for his next year.

Journalist Christian Falk (via Goal) reported earlier this summer that Real Madrid are highly interested in signing Alexander-Arnold. They are looking for a potential successor for Dani Carvajal, who is 32 years old now. They see Alexander-Arnold as a good replacement for the Spanish legend.

Jamie Carragher has now shared his thoughts on this story, telling SPORTbible:

“I've always believed he would stay. It's up for debate. He's going to be the next captain. He's a local lad. I always think you have that greater affinity when you're a local player. I certainly did, Steven Gerrard didn't go to Real Madrid or Chelsea because it was Liverpool.

“You've got to remember Real Madrid have got a decent right-back, he's just won the Euros, and I think he's won the European Cup about six times. He's not a dud. My fear is that Real Madrid are thinking of signing him in another year's time because I don't think they're ready to offload [Dani] Carvajal just yet. Maybe in a year's time - who knows?

Alexander-Arnold came through Liverpool's academy and has registered 19 goals and 81 assists in 310 games for them so far. However, his current contract is set to expire next summer.

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Taking a look at Liverpool's pre-season so far amidst negligible transfer activity

Liverpool saw Jurgen Klopp leave at the end of the last season after an amazing nine-year spell at the club. They finished third in the Premier League last season but won the Carabao Cup. They have now appointed Arne Slot as the new manager.

The Reds have had a good pre-season so far as they won all three of their games on their US tour. They first beat Spanish side Real Betis 1-0 on July 26 before beating Arsenal 2-1 five days later. They then got past rivals Manchester United 3-0 in their final friendly of the US tour on August 3.

The Merseysiders will next face Sevilla in their final pre-season friendly at Anfield on August 11. They will travel to Portman Road to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town in their Premier League opener on August 17.

In terms of transfers, Liverpool are the only club in Europe's top five leagues to have not signed a single senior player.