Chelsea could be in the market to replace Reece James in January after the England international suffered a knee injury.
Chelsea have been linked with a shock move for former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold, 28, has fallen out of favor at Real Madrid following Jose Mourinho’s summer arrival, prompting speculation over his long-term future at the club. He is thought to be unhappy with his lack of playing time, having made just four appearances this season, and could be exploring a return to the Premier League.
Now former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Chelsea are ready to offer Alexander-Arnold a way out of Real Madrid if he is available.
The Blues could look to bolster Reece James in the position until at least mid-January after undergoing surgery on a fresh knee injury. James, 26, sustained the problem in training ahead of Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth earlier this month and is expected to be unavailable for the foreseeable future.
Malo Gusto is expected to deputize in his absence, although Alexander-Arnold could be an option for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea once the January transfer window opens.
“One name I’ve heard linked to a move to Chelsea is Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Brown told Football Insider. “It’s a bit of a surprise to me to be honest, but he’s fallen a bit down the pecking order at Real Madrid so he’s now second or even third choice.
“Mourinho doesn’t seem to value him particularly at right-back, and he’s not alone, as he’s also been in the cold for England. Alexander-Arnold is a talented player with very good skills, but the weaknesses in his game are often a concern.
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“Chelsea are always going to be interested in signing a big player, that’s what they’ve done, so they’ll be looking at whether he’s ready or not.
“There’s always talk of him going back to Liverpool but I don’t think it’s going to happen the way he’s going, nobody was particularly happy.
“They will, I expect, want to prevent that from happening again, so Chelsea could be where he ended up and be tempted if they decide to move.”
Despite dropping to third choice at Real Madrid behind Federico Valverde and Denzel Dumfries, Alexander-Arnold is still one of the best players in his position. The England international had a difficult time at Los Blancos, but he flourished at Liverpool and performed at a high level for several years in a row.
He would add a more creative spark to Chelsea’s right flank, whether he is used as a full-back or even a central midfielder. Alonso worked with Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid last season.