Real Madrid face El Clasico battle with Barcelona for priority target – English sources | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has taken an unexpected turn as Barcelona have entered the race for the England international’s signature, setting the stage for another off-field El Clasico battle.

Indeed, according to talkSPORT, Los Blancos now face stiff competition not only from Barcelona but also from Bayern Munich in the race for the 26-year-old England star.

Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid’s priority for 2025

As has already been reported by multiple reliable outlets, Real Madrid have made Alexander-Arnold their priority target for the summer of 2025.

The reigning Spanish and European champions need a top-quality successor for Dani Carvajal and the fact that Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires in 2025 has put him at the top of the club’s wishlist.

In fact, it has even been suggested that Real Madrid could explore the possibility of signing the England international as early as January given the season-ending ACL injury suffered by Carvajal.

Alexander-Arnold set to spark an El Clasico war for his signing. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

However, Barcelona’s late entry into the race could complicate matters for the Spanish capital club. As such, Real Madrid will need to intensify their efforts if they hope to secure Alexander-Arnold’s services.

With his current deal set to expire at the end of this season and no extension agreed upon yet, the defender will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs in January for a potential free transfer next summer.

While Liverpool were initially said to be confident about retaining their academy graduate, the growing interest from Spain’s top two clubs and Bayern Munich may have shifted the landscape.

With Barcelona and Bayern Munich now entering the picture, Real Madrid will have to act swiftly, although the presence of Alexander-Arnold’s close friend Jude Bellingham in the squad could give them an edge.