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Barcelona 'determined to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold next summer'

Barcelona 'determined to sign Alexander-Arnold next summer'
© Reuters
Barcelona are determined to sign Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold during next summer's transfer window, according to a report.

Barcelona have reportedly already identified Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold as their priority transfer target during next summer's transfer window.

Despite their financial problems, the Catalan giants have been active during the current market, bringing in Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde.

There could be further signings before the end of the window, with Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso thought to be targets, but the club are also said to be planning for the 2023 summer window.

According to Futbol Total, Xavi's side will focus their attention on bringing Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold to Camp Nou ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

The report claims that the La Liga giants would be prepared to pay €80m (£67.3m) to sign the England international, who only signed a new contract with Liverpool last July.

Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for Liverpool in May 14, 2022© Reuters

Alexander-Arnold is contracted to Liverpool until June 2025, and he has developed into one of the most productive attacking full-backs in world football over the last few years.

The 23-year-old made his debut for the Reds in 2016 and has now represented the Merseyside giants on 227 occasions, contributing 13 goals and 62 assists in the process.

The Englishman was again a key player for the Reds during the 2021-22 season, scoring twice and providing 19 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, he played 74 minutes of Liverpool's 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend, scoring the game's opening goal in the 21st minute before being substituted late on.

Barcelona allegedly believe that bringing in Alexander-Arnold would allow them to 'complete their squad', with the club still looking for a long-term option on the right of their defence.

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold pictured in December 2021© Reuters

The Catalan side could ultimately fail in their pursuit of Chelsea's Azpilicueta this summer, which would leave them short of options at right-back.

Sergi Roberto can feature in that area of the field, but Xavi is said to view him as a more of a central midfielder, while there has been speculation surrounding Sergino Dest's future.

Manchester United are believed to be in talks with Barcelona over Dest, with Erik ten Hag's side also considering signing a new right-back before the end of the transfer window.

Barcelona have also allegedly made an offer for Real Sociedad's Inigo Martinez, and a deal for the Spaniard would put Gerard Pique's future in doubt due to the competition for spots in the middle of the defence.

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Matt Law

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Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen pictured training on August 10, 2021
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


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