Why is Chelsea's season suddenly falling apart?!

Culture & Clobber Axis: Jude's new look, gold Zidane Preds & more

Welcome to Amad Diallo's world 

Nunez CAN score goals! Huge late drama as Liverpool march on

Madrid's biggest problem? They've still not replaced Kroos

'Who does he think he is?' - Keane slams 'rubbish' Stewart

Endrick dedicates goals to team-mate that 'never praises me'

Zlatan offers brutal response to Ronaldo’s Ligue 1 criticism

PSG complete €70m Kvaratskhelia signing as Napoli eye Rashford

'League makes it possible' - Big call for CR7 in 1000-goal bid

What Haaland's 10-year mega deal means for City - and football

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd set to be snubbed by key target Mendes

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Lineker gives opinion on Alexander-Arnold</li><li><p>Right-back wanted by Real Madrid</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script></li><li>Factors point to move being the right call</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'How do you say no?' - Gary Lineker offers advice to Trent Alexander-Arnold about potential Real Madrid transfer amid Liverpool exit talk

LaLiga

Real Madrid

Las Palmas

Champions League

Liverpool

Lille

<p>Speaking on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sparkling-salah-shows-his-worth-forest-march-on-city/id1701022490?i=1000682071683" target="_blank"><em>The Rest is Football</em> </a>podcast, Lineker drew on his own experience of moving abroad to suggest that joining Real Madrid in the summer would be a good next step for Alexander-Arnold to take. The former Barcelona striker declared that the Liverpool right-back will "love it there", and also noted the presence of close friend Jude Bellingham to make the transition smoother.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>With an expiring Liverpool contract and no renewal on the immediate horizon, Alexander-Arnold remains on course to become a free agent at the end of the season. As soon as Thursday, he is eligible to formally sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/trent-alexander-arnold-made-mind-up-tells-liverpool-wants-join-real-madrid-free-transfer/blte209a8f31b4ebde5" target="_blank">reports in Spain have claimed in recent days</a> that he has already made up his mind to join Real Madrid. However,<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/liverpool-fans-erupt-trent-alexander-arnold-celebration-west-ham/blt35b518d6c1c43dfa#cs341d35a1f34c3225" target="_blank"> Liverpool fans on social media were adamant</a> that Sunday's goal celebration against West Ham United was an indication he will be staying put.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>"How do you say no to&nbsp;Real Madrid?" Lineker queried. "Liverpool is an incredible football club, but a fresh challenge, playing abroad, I did it myself. Playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is truly special. However strong and powerful and rich the Premier League is, the world’s greats still go to Barcelona and Real Madrid. The only exception in recent times is [Erling] Haaland. That aside, they go there. [Alexander-Arnold] will love it there. It will be amazing. They’ll worship and appreciate his passing range. He is in the prime of his career.</p><p>"I wouldn't begrudge him. It seems to make a lot of sense to me. Free transfer is how Real Madrid have done things recently. He is really close to Jude Bellingham and would fit in there beautifully. He would be a massive success. They wouldn't focus on his defending critically as we do here... overly, in my opinion. It's a great fit and would be a huge loss for Liverpool, but&nbsp;they have [Conor Bradley]&nbsp;coming through who has done really well. I think it is highly likely that will happen, although I have no inside information whatsoever."</p>

WHAT GARY LINEKER SAID

<p>After scoring 40 goals in his sole season with Everton, followed immediately by winning the World Cup Golden Boot, Lineker joined Barcelona in the summer of 1986 and stayed until 1989. He netted 52 times in 138 appearances and won the Copa del Rey and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Alexander-Arnold has a huge decision ahead of him. The opportunity to become a Liverpool legend at what feels like the start of a potential era of dominance has to be enticing, especially as a home-grown local player. But, at 26, there may never be a better opportunity to challenge himself abroad at the peak of his career. If he doesn't say yes to Real Madrid now, the chance may not come around again.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'How do you say no?' - Gary Lineker offers advice to Trent Alexander-Arnold about potential Real Madrid transfer amid Liverpool exit talk | Goal.com

Gary Lineker has talked up why Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid would be a good fit.