Trent Alexander-Arnold could cost Real Madrid their top transfer target who Xabi Alonso 'personally requested'

Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer to Real Madrid may have cost them the chance to sign Xabi Alonso's top target for the summer.

Off the back of their first season without a trophy win a trophy for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign, Real Madrid are expected to be busy in the transfer market.

Following the departure of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, club legend Alonso will look to build a squad that reflects his style ahead of next season.

The first player of Real Madrid's shortlist for the summer was former Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold, who joined the La Liga giants in late May after Madrid negotiated a transfer fee to allow him to leave ahead of the Club World Cup.

But just days after paying £10million for a player who would be available as a free agent at the end of June, Madrid may be massively regretting their decision as it could stop them from getting their top target that Alonso personally requested.

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid on May 30. (Image: Getty)

As part of Madrid's plans to reinvigorate their defence, Alonso identified Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras as an ideal candidate to slot into his defence.

According to a report from Portuguese outlet A BOLA, although Carreras is happy at his current club, a move back to Real Madrid, who he played for during his youth career, would be a dream.

However there is one issue currently stopping his dream move from happening as Benfica are demanding that Real Madrid pay the €50m release included in Carreras' contract in one go if they want to sign him.

Alvaro Carreras made 50 appearances for Benfica in 2024/25. (Image: Getty)

Unfortunately for Madrid, it appears that this is simply not possible and they will instead offer a deal worth €30/35 million plus bonuses, with the hope that they can secure a deal before the Club World Cup.

But, with Benfica also relying on Carreras for the competition, it is believed that they will hold firm and continue to demand the full fee in the 22-year-old's release clause.

If so, it raises serious questions about Madrid's decision to pay £10m for Alexander-Arnold instead of simply waiting a matter of weeks to get him as a free agent.