For all the certainty Arne Slot has created around this Liverpool team being a force to be reckoned with, there is still no guarantee they remain together next season. Trent Alexander-Arnold is among the high-profile stars on track to leave before next season.

The 26-year-old is a mainstay and fan favourite in this Reds team but several months into the season no announcement has been made regarding a new contract. With a cup final to look forward to, the Premier League title race in a good place and similar feeling towards the Champions League and FA Cup, it somewhat takes away from the excitement at hand.

Meanwhile with rumours of Real Madrid interest refusing to go away, the reality of Alexander-Arnold not being a Liverpool player for the 2025/26 season and beyond is a scary prospect. Here, the ECHO rounds up the latest stories around the vice captain and his Spanish suitors.

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Peculiar omission sparks hope

Real's interest has never been a secret. Reports, particularly those from Spain, have spread throughout the season right up until Los Blancos' failed January attempt to fastrack a deal.

So it came as a surprise one of said reports from Madrid-based outlet Defensa Central this week gave a list of the La Liga giants' summer targets and Alexander-Arnold did not feature.

There was room, however, for Joshua Kimmich who is also available for a free transfer this summer. The Bayern Munich stalwart has been rumoured as Real's alternative to Liverpool's No.66, perhaps suggesting that they have now turned their attentions for the summer.

Madrid Contract rejection

Meanwhile, Real appear not only to be occupied with planning ahead for summer transfers, but to Liverpool's advantage also have their own house to get in order.

The Athletic report talks have been opened to keep Vinicius Junior at the Santiago Bernabeu although difficulties are arising. The winger is said to have rejected their first proposal over the wages being offered. His current deal runs to 2027 and alleged Saudi Arabian interest is growing, which has heightened anxiety amongst Real chiefs.

In the Reds' case, the more distractions the better in Madrid as it will give more time to negotiate their own terms with Alexander-Arnold.

Injury latest

Amidst the contract furore, Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined from the injury sustained against Bournemouth exactly one week ago.

"Trent for Sunday? I don't think so yet, no, it's going to be too early for him," Slot said. "Derby? We don't play Derby County! (laughs). Oh, the [Merseyside] derby? Difficult to say for that.

"It's not going to take months or even weeks but that (derby game) will be only three days after the Plymouth Argyle game, so let's wait and see if he is available," Slot said in his Friday update.