Liverpool have reportedly tabled an astronomical offer to convince Trent Alexander-Arnold to commit his long-term future to the club.

The 26-year-old right-back is one of three Liverpool players – alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – whose current contracts are set to expire in June 2025.

On 31st December, Paul Joyce of The Times revealed that Liverpool had rejected an approach from Real Madrid to acquire Alexander-Arnold. According to the report, Madrid had “made contact” with Liverpool regarding the player, but their interest was “immediately rebuffed” earlier in the week.

Further reports clarified that Liverpool have been engaged in contract negotiations with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives for several months.

The Mirror now claims that the Premier League leaders have offered Alexander-Arnold a new contract worth an astonishing £78 million over a five-year period to ensure he remains at Anfield. This equates to a weekly salary of £300,000, a sum reportedly matched by Madrid. However, the Spanish giants are also believed to be offering a significant signing-on fee, as Alexander-Arnold could join them on a free transfer when his contract expires.

Real Madrid even proposed a £20 million fee to sign the England international during the January transfer window, but Liverpool rejected the bid outright, deeming it “non-negotiable” given their current push for the Premier League title.

The report also addresses speculation about Alexander-Arnold demanding the captain’s armband as part of his new deal, stating there is no truth to those claims.

For Liverpool fans, the developments will be seen as a positive step towards retaining their homegrown star, who is vital to the club’s ambitions. Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature in tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Manchester United at Anfield. A victory would see Arne Slot’s side extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points over second-place Arsenal.

Unlike Salah, 32, who has been known to use media speculation to his advantage in contract discussions, Alexander-Arnold has remained largely reserved on the matter.

In a recent interview, he addressed the ongoing negotiations, saying:

"I have signed four or five contract extensions, and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either."