Struggling at Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold weighs Premier League return with Chelsea leading the chase

Trent Alexander-Arnold is considering cutting short his Real Madrid adventure after less than two seasons at the Bernabéu, with Chelsea reported to be leading the race for the 28-year-old England international. The right-back has managed just 343 minutes across La Liga and the Champions League this season, slipping behind both new signing Denzel Dumfries and Federico Valverde in the pecking order under José Mourinho.

Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2025, joining Real Madrid in a move that drew a mixed reaction from supporters at Anfield. He initially linked up with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, but has since lived through two managerial changes — Álvaro Arbeloa’s brief tenure followed by Mourinho’s return — and has never firmly established himself as first choice.

Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips has claimed the Blues are at the front of the queue, with Alonso — now at Chelsea — reportedly keen to reunite with Alexander-Arnold in London. Should a deal materialise, French right-back Malo Gusto is expected to be made available for transfer. Liverpool had lodged a deadline-day loan bid for Gusto in the summer, though Chelsea were only willing to sell permanently at the time.

Alexander-Arnold’s profile suits Chelsea’s possession-based system, offering the attacking output from deep that Enzo Maresca’s side demands. Reece James remains the nominal first choice at Stamford Bridge, but his persistent injury problems have left successive managers short of reliable cover on the right flank.

Arsenal and Manchester City are also said to hold an interest, meaning any bidding war is unlikely to be straightforward. Alexander-Arnold’s contract at the Bernabéu runs until the summer of 2029, giving Real Madrid significant leverage on any transfer fee — a factor unlikely to deter Chelsea, who have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium for their primary targets.

He started 14 La Liga matches last season on his way to a Spanish title, but his role has diminished sharply in 2025/26. Whether the slide is permanent or a consequence of a turbulent managerial transition remains to be seen, but the reports of him actively weighing his options suggest the player himself has doubts about his future in the Spanish capital.